Making decisions in the NBA isn’t easy. Sometimes, a situation presents a conflict. A team could justify one decision or another. Often, those decisions pertain to paying players.
Sure, a player may be good. What do you think he’s worth? What’s he likely to get on the open market? Should you overpay for him if his market value exceeds your internal evaluation?
If not, should you trade him? Currently, the New York Knicks may be asking themselves these questions about Immanuel Quickley. He’s due for a contract extension this summer. Some rumors have suggested that the Knicks may not offer it to him.
Could they send him to the San Antonio Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Cedi Osman, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Immanuel Quickley
Soon, the Spurs will have to make similar decisions. They recently made one. The team rewarded Devin Vassell with a massive extension. Was that the right decision?
Undeniably. Vassell is a sweet shooter and a versatile defender. He’ll compliment them no matter who the Spurs add to their roster in the coming years. This was a no-brainer.
With that said, the same won’t be true for every player on this roster. The Spurs would extend Victor Wembanyama today if they could. What about Jeremy Sochan?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks Updates
Does Keldon Johnson have a future alongside Vassell? What’s Malachi Braham’s value? In the end, San Antonio must answer all of these questions.
Should they give up assets for Quickley in the meantime?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
The Spurs have an interesting collection of young talent. Most of it is in the frontcourt. This team is light on talented young guards. Vassell can play the 2, but he’s more of a wing than a lead ball-handler.
So, Quickley would be a suitable addition. He’s also the type of two-way player that the Spurs tend to covet. Quickley can guard the point of attack, but he can also create his shot in half-court sets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks Updates
He’s only worth this price if the Spurs intend to extend him. They should be happy to to just that. Meanwhile, giving up a lottery protected first for a player who’s established himself as (at least) a lower lottery-level talent shouldn’t be an issue.
Should the Knicks accept that return for Quickley?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Quickley’s upcoming negotiations could hurt his trade value. Any team landing him will know that they’ve got to pay him shortly. That could limit the market for his services.
With that in mind, a lottery-protected pick from one of the worst teams in the NBA isn’t a prized asset. Still, the Spurs could make a major leap in 2024-25.
Wembanyama will continue to improve, and having made another lottery selection, the Spurs could be done tanking. There’s a world where this pick conveys.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks Updates
In the meantime, Osman is a useful 3-and-D wing to add to the Knicks’ rotation. He’s also on an expiring deal. That means the Knicks will have to decide for him next summer – but it won’t be as difficult as some NBA decisions can be.
