It was a successful bounce-back season for the New York Knicks in 2022-23. Not only did they make a return to the NBA playoffs, but with Jalen Brunson putting on a show, they battled their way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The next step for the Knicks could be achieved in a variety of different ways. The simplest would be from internal progression from key players, particularly from RJ Barrett on the wing. He proved to be underwhelming in big moments last season when Brunson need whatever support he could get.
Another path forward for the Knicks could be to pursue a blockbuster trade to find the co-star that Brunson needs to be able to take the team to new heights. One option that could be particularly intriguing is Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, G/F Evan Fournier, G Immanuel Quickley, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
The Knicks may be frequently linked to stars. They don’t always land them. In fact, they have a recent history of angling for stars that they didn’t end up acquiring.
Remember when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving took their talents to New York? Of course, they didn’t join the Knicks. The star duo was rumored to be considering them, but they opted for the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Knicks were widely expected to acquire Donovan Mitchell last summer – before he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Don’t cry for the Knicks. It’s all worked out nicely. Look how Durant and Irving worked out in Brooklyn – why would it be any different for the Knicks? Meanwhile, the Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2022-23 playoffs. Should they really make a move for a star now?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Well, it depends. Does this work basketball-wise? Is Siakam a good fit with the Knicks? Well, it’s certainly a bold choice. The Knicks have their 5 and 4 set. Julius Randle has mostly played like a star for them in recent years, and Mitchell Robinson is one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. Where is the room for Siakam?
The Knicks can find it later. Perhaps they’ll run a jumbo-sized lineup. Siakam should have the mobility to play the 3 and help the Knicks overwhelm opponents with size.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Alternatively, they could trade Robinson elsewhere and a play a modernized lineup with Siakam at the 5. Should the Raptors afford the Knicks so much versatility?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are widely expected to move Siakam this summer. It’s not difficult to figure out why. They had an underwhelming 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, Siakam is extremely similar to the much younger Scottie Barnes.
Is this the right move? That’s a different question. Like Siakam in New York, Barrett isn’t an obvious fit with this roster. Are the Raptors acquiring him to replace O.G. Anunoby? Not likely. Instead, the Raptors would stick Barrett at the 2. That would give them a lot of size and versatility in their own right.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the fact that Barrett is Canadian should be a selling point for Toronto as well. Throw in three unprotected first-round picks, and this might be enough for the Knicks to finally land a star.
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