Theoretically, an NBA front office would prefer to hang onto quality young players. In practice, it doesn’t always go that way. After all, those young players will eventually need to be paid.
So, the question isn’t as simple as “Is this player good?”. The question is, “Is this player worth the money he’ll command on the open market to our team now?”. If the answer is no, a team may look to trade a young player before they’re due for their first extension.
That seems to be true with Quentin Grimes and the New York Knicks. He’s said to be on the market. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that the Atlanta Hawks are interested in him.
Here’s a deal that sends him there.
NBA Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: C Bruno Fernando, 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIN via ATL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAC via ATL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (HOU via ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Quentin Grimes
These are not easy decisions to make. Every team has to operate within the salary cap. So, they must spend accordingly.
Just look at the Hawks. De’Andre Hunter is a good player. In a vacuum, he’s even worth his current contract. Should the Hawks have extended him? That’s a different question entirely.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks Updates
After all, this team’s salary sheet has gotten quite complicated. The Hawks have made a major financial commitment to this mediocre team. Does trading for Grimes help the matter?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
No. If the Hawks have any reservations, they’ll pertain to Grimes’ upcoming extension. The Hawks are cap-strapped. We almost sent Hunter to the Knicks for Grimes and Evan Fournier’s extension, but we ultimately felt that the Knicks have enough low-usage 3-and-D wings.
So, let’s assume that the Hawks make other moves leading up to the deadline. If they can shed even one of Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or Clint Capela, they can afford Grimes. So, the next question is whether this is a player the Hawks should want.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Grimes is. He looks like a great 3-and-D guard who can complement a player like Trae Young. If the Hawks move Dejounte Murray, Grimes could be Young’s long-term backcourt partner. Should the Knicks send him to Atlanta?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
This isn’t complicated for New York. They’re avoiding Grimes’ extension. What else can we even say?
The Knicks won’t be interested in Fernando. He may see some spot minutes in Mitchell Robinson’s absence, but that isn’t the point. Instead, the Knicks are flipping Grimes for as much draft capital as possible.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks Updates
They may not land an unprotected first. Grimes’ upcoming negotiations may scare suitors from making that offer. If so, three second-rounders ought to suit the Knicks – if they won’t extend Grimes in the first place.
