There was a time in NBA history when a player might hope to spend their entire career with the team that drafted them. It was commonplace. For a multitude of reasons, those days are behind us.
This is the player empowerment era. The league’s players have finally realized that they’re the most important part of the NBA’s business. As a result, players exert their will. Even young players will try to force their way off of a team in the middle of their rookie contract.
It seems that Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks is looking for a new home. Reports suggest that he’s frustrated with his role and playing time in New York. This is an exciting young player who should have a range of suitors. Could the Utah Jazz be one of them?
NBA Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G/F Quentin Grimes
Player empowerment doesn’t always have the consequences that we’d expect. For example, we assume that superstars will want to join the league’s biggest markets. Don’t make the mistake of making that suggestion to a New York Knicks fan.
Generally speaking, the Knicks haven’t drawn that type of talent. They’ve had to be smart about building their team. Now, the Knicks have a dark horse contender – even though they’ve never brought a top player in through free agency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks Updates
By contrast, the small market Jazz are supposed to be hurt by player empowerment. Yet, the interest in staying together between the organization and Lauri Markkanen seems mutual. By all indications, the Jazz plan on building around Markkanen. Should they move Clarkson?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
It’s hard to say what the Jazz should do. This team was in the league’s basement for much of the season. Suddenly, they look like playoff hopefuls. Why would the Jazz turn around and trade Clarkson?
Let’s use a wider lens. The Jazz aren’t winning an NBA title this year. Markkanen is still young. The Jazz could prioritize the future without destroying their present.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks Updates
That’s what they’re doing here. After all, Grimes is a strong 3-and-D guard who’s ready to contribute. He’s not as dynamic of a player as Clarkson, but he’s a good rotation player. Throw in Fournier’s expiring deal, and the Jazz would have to be tempted by this offer. Is it a good deal for the Knicks?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Knicks have already had a busy season. This team shipped RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for O.G. Anunoby. That was a good deal for them – Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
In all likelihood, this team isn’t missing Barrett – Anunoby was his direct replacement. With that said, they could be missing Quickley. He provided the Knicks with a scoring punch off of the bench. Now, they’re missing that element in their team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks Updates
Clarkson would be a suitable replacement. He’s a recent Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The Knicks would be a complete team following this deal – even if it means saying goodbye to Grimes prematurely.
