For a long time, the New York Knicks were listless. This was one of the most depressing teams in the NBA. The Knicks never seemed to have a plan. If anything, it felt like they were content to simply sell out Madison Square Garden no matter what the product looked like.
In recent years, there’s been an apparent plan. The Knicks have been stockpiling draft capital and tradeable contracts. It’s been obvious that this team has been biding time until they can make a swing for a major trade. At the same time, something happened that wasn’t part of the plan last year – the Knicks got good.
Should they keep stockpiling draft capital and tradeable contracts? They could. At the same time, the Knicks could make a smaller trade. By now, this team has performed well enough that they could justify trading for one of the league’s best role players. 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
It’s hard to remember now, but the Warriors were listless at one time too. Some of our younger readers won’t even remember those times. They know the Warriors as a world-beating dynasty. That was not always the case.
Throughout the 1990s, the Warriors were mostly bad. Sure, the Run TMC era was fascinating. Chris Mullen, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Mitch Richmond gave the Warriors a fun, high-octane basketball brand that could barely get into the playoffs. The “We Believe” Warriors were captivating, but there was a reason that we had to specify that we believed in them. Nobody’s talking about the “We Believe” Denver Nuggets heading into the 2023-24 season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
Somewhere along the line, the Warriors figured it out. They stole Steph Curry in the draft, and then they stole Draymond Green. The rest is history: the Warriors have been a dynasty. Should they turn around and trade Wiggins now?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors do this deal for a few reasons. For starters, they do it to save money. Nobody wants to hear that, but sometimes, an NBA team must do that. This team’s salary sheet is getting crowded. Following this deal, they’d free up considerable space. Fournier’s deal is expiring this summer.
With that in mind, it’s been rumbaed that the Warriors are also looking for a big man. Hartenstein could be a perfect fit. He’s a high-quality passing big with the natural feel to thrive in Golden State’s motion system. Hartenstein should be a natural addition to this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
Finally, perhaps most importantly, the Warriors are landing an unprotected first. Moving forward, they might use that pick to trade for another star. Moving Wiggins stings, but at this price, it might be a decision the Warriors must make. Should the Knicks acquire Wiggins?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Players can get listless, too. For a long time, Wiggins’ career was headed off-course. At some point, he reinvented himself. This former number-one pick won’t be a first offensive option, but he’s among the better 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
Still, he’s not strictly a role player. Wiggins can create his shot in a pinch. He might be the third option behind Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson on this team. Moreover, the Knicks can spare Hartenstein. After all, Mitchell Robinson is realistically more impactful anyway. Hartenstein is superfluous on the Knicks at this point.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & New York Knicks Updates
Was this the plan? Not exactly. The Knicks have also been linked to Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell, and other stars. Wiggins isn’t on that level – but he’s still an extremely useful player. if the Knicks feel like they’ve already got their stars, they may be interested in signing a player like Wiggins. That sounds like a plan to us.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
