The New York Knicks could use a little more firepower in the offense, and with sustained interest ahead of the March 27 deadline, an agreement could be reached at any time. Head coach Tom Thibodeau likes his current squad, simply because of their incredible defensive prowess. The Knicks currently have the best defense in the NBA in points per game with 104.9. Immediately behind them are the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.
With good defense, the Knicks remain competitive in most games, but their lack of offense has hurt them at times. Bringing a few more solid pieces into the category can push it over the edge, especially against some play-off caliber teams. The Knicks recently lost two consecutive games against the Nets and 76ers, two playoffs. Losing by five points against the Nets and three points from the 76ers was disappointing, but it proved that New York needed to stay competitive against winning teams.
Let’s look at a deal that will send Lonzo Ball and a sharpshooter to the Knicks and provide them with support.
Mocking trade between the Knicks and Pelicans, proposed by B / Rs Greg Swartz:
Knicks received:
Lonzo Ball
JJ Redick
Pelicans get:
Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina
Elfrid Payton
First round of 2021 (via Dal)
Second round of 2021 (via Det)
This is an interesting spot, as Ball scores 14.2 points over 31.7 minutes per game. He also scored 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals this season. He would instantly become the most productively productive point guard in the team, with Derrick Rose behind. The problem is that the Knicks have to part ways with Frank Ntilikina, their defensive jewel, who does not offer much support to the attack, but is a solid backup that can hold the best scorer of a team.
Walk in the first and second rounds, plus Kevin Knox and Elfrid Payton, New York, walk away with Ball and JJ Redick, who scored just 8.7 points at 36 years old. He has an offseason, but he has a family in Brooklyn and will likely grow young when he moves to New York.
Personally, I’m not a fan of this trade, simply based on the fact that JJ Redick is way too old to be consistently trusted, and that Ball only scores 14.2 points per game. However, you can justify it based on Lonzo’s potential, because at age 23 he only scratches the surface of his abilities.
If the Knicks like Ball so much, it’s a good deal that gives them a point guard ready to take a big development leap. With good coaching, I believe they can unlock their potential, but they will have to give up some fun in the process.