For years, NBA fans have been confused by the New York Knicks. This team plays in the Mecca of basketball. They’re in the league’s biggest market. The Knicks are an iconic brand. Why haven’t they been more successful?
Well, there’s been some mismanagement at play. The Knicks have operated with an unearned sense of exceptionalism. At times, there’s felt like there’s an assumption that they’ll land marquee free agents – even though they never do. With that said, the Knicks’ new management group has been turning the team’s fortunes around lately.
Last year, the Knicks were a pleasant surprise. This team won a playoff series. With that said, the bar for success will be higher in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the Knicks could use an elite 3-and-D wing to help them find that success. How about Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Isaiah Hartenstein, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
Meanwhile, if the Knicks want to find more success, they’ve got a model. The Golden State Warriors have been the standard for organizational excellence in recent years. Any NBA franchise looking to improve their fortunes should turn to them.
More than anything, the Warriors have found success in the draft. Any organization should prioritize the draft: they control it. Teams get to select players in the draft, and they’re at the mercy of a player’s free will in free agency. The Warriors built a dynasty by finding draft-day steals above all else.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
Is that dynasty coming to an end? It feels likely. The Warriors are about to face some financial hardship. They’re also aging. Eventually, they won’t be on top of the NBA anymore. Does this deal have them accepting that fate?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
More or less, yes. The financial flexibility that Golden State receives here is crucial. Fournier is on an expiring contract. That ought to be very appealing to this franchise.
So should Hartenstein. He’s the type of passing big that has often thrived in Golden State. Hartenstein’s floor vision will keep the ball moving in Golden State’s motion-heavy offense. In all likelihood, he’d split time fairly evenly with Kevon Looney. Hartenstein should be a meaningful addition to this team’s roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
Still, the first-round pick is perhaps the most valuable component of this deal for the Warriors. If they’re still contending, they could use it to make a separate trade. If they’re looking to the future, it’s suddenly a vital asset. We’ve seen what the Warriors can do in the draft before. Should the Knicks give them the opportunity to land another steal?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
We said that the Knicks could use a 3-and-D wing. Some will disagree. After all, this team just extended Josh Hart. Doesn’t he fit that criteria?
Yes and no. Hart is not an extremely reliable floor spacer. He’s an excellent, impactful defender (and rebounder), but he’s not nearly as dynamic as Wiggins on offense. Wiggins can create his own shot when need be. Meanwhile, the two can co-exist quite comfortably as well. If any current Knick is getting edged out of the rotation here, it could be RJ Barrett.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
That’s fine. Barrett has been woefully inconsistent with the Knicks. Meanwhile, he may be best suited at the 2 anyway. Adding Wiggins allows the Knicks to play big. More broadly, he’s the best player in this trade – the Knicks are upgrading their roster by a significant margin here. If they’re successful as a result, nobody will be confused.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
