We are in the dog days of the NBA’s summer. There is not much happening. Teams across the league are taking stock of their situations, and considering their next moves. They’ll look at their performance from 2022-23 and determine whether they’re satisfied with the results.
The New York Knicks should be satisfied. They had a strong 2022-23 season. Now, the goal is to move forward. A trip to the second round was a solid outcome for last season. In 2023-24, they should be aiming for the Conference Finals.
The Toronto Raptors would be aiming a little too high if that was their mark. This team just wrapped up a disappointing 2022-23. With that in mind, it’s been widely speculated that they could blow up their roster and start rebuilding. Could they start by sending Gary Trent Jr. to the Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
On the other hand, the Raptors could entertain other options. Every team that has a disappointing season shouldn’t immediately rebuild. If the Knicks had done so, they wouldn’t have enjoyed the 2022-23 season that they did.
Just two years ago, this team was similarly disappointing. Plenty of fans expected them to rebuild. The Knicks stayed the course. With an extra year to gel (and the addition of Jalen Brunson), the Knicks looked like an entirely different team. Should the Raptors take a page from their book?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
They could. The Raptors could justify that decision. On the other hand, there are differences between their situation and the Knicks’ situation at that time. Should the Raptors rebuild? If so, should they send Trent Jr. to the Knicks?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Well, there’s one key distinction between the Knicks of two years ago and the current Raptors. That difference is Scottie Barnes. With all due respect to RJ Barrett, the Knicks didn’t have a player with Barnes’ proven upside to build around. The Raptors have to take that into consideration.
Yet, even that doesn’t mean that they must trade Trent Jr. He’s only 24. The Raptors could consider him a key part of their long-term core. On the other hand, if they can net an unprotected first-round pick, they ought to reconsider that stance.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
After all, Trent Jr. is due for a contract extension next summer. If the Raptors give it to him, they risk committing to mediocrity. On the other hand, a first-round pick is cost-controlled. We believe that the Raptors should rebuild, and therefore, we believe they should prioritize draft capital. What should the Knicks prioritize?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Knicks do this deal because Trent Jr. is a better player than Fournier. This isn’t complicated. The Knicks are a win-now team, and here, they’re making a win-now move.
Name a skill. Trent Jr. has surpassed Fournier in it. He’s a better shot-creator, floor spacer, and defender. Trent Jr. would be a welcomed addition to this roster. His ability to make defensive plays would be especially valuable for this team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, the Knicks shouldn’t be hoarding their first-round picks. For some time, folks expected them to trade a number of picks for stars. With the emergence of Brunson and Julius Randle, they already have stars – the Knicks should strengthen their roster around them. If nothing else, they’ll liven up the summer a little bit by making this move.
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