The New York Knicks are looking to improve on their last season and seeking a star. These three fantasy trades could be a dream come true.
The New York Knicks entered the 2022-23 season with not many expectations. After failing to live up to the expectations in the 2022 season, the Knicks were projected to win around 39 games. Many fans were upset at the Jalen Brunson signing as they thought the Knicks overpaid him on a four-year, $104 million contract.
The NBA world was wrong about the Knicks. Even though they got off to a rough start, they finished the season as the No. 5 seed with a record of 47-35, Julius Randle had a bounce-back season, but the biggest reason for their success was the play of Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks ended up beating the Cavaliers in five games in the first round but would end up losing to the No. 8 seed Miami Heat in six games in the second round. The Knicks are looking to improve on their season and here are 3 players that can help them do so.
Here are 3 players the Knicks should trade for: 3. Buddy Hield
The Knicks finished the season as the eighth-best 3-point shooting team at 35.7 percent. In the postseason the Knicks finished dead last in 3-point shooting as they shot 29.2 percent from 3 and had the second-worst field goal percent this postseason at 43.3 percent.
The Knicks lacked a consistent high-volume 3-point shooter — Julius Randle was the leader in attempts, shooting 8.3 3s per game and making 34.3 percent of them. The Knicks had just 3 players shoot above the league average from 3.
This is why they should trade for Buddy Hield. He has been one of the best 3-point shooters in the league over the last few seasons. He finished second in 3-point makes this season and ninth in 3-point shooting percent at 42.5 percent.
Hield is exactly what the Knicks need. He will provide excellent floor spacing as Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle do their best work on the court when they have an open lane to the basket. Since Hield will become at best the fourth-option, he can also spend more energy on defense which he'll definitely need to do working under Coach Tom Thibodeau.
Buddy Hield may not be the big star that Knicks fans are hoping for but he would be a massive improvement over Quentin Grimes as the starting shooting guard. In order to pull off the trade it would be centered around giving up Evan Fournier's contract which is a big win for the Knicks.
Here are 3 players the Knicks should trade for: 2. OG Anunoby
Knick fans won't be happy with the Knicks offseason if they didn't end up getting a star player. This offseason should be focused on making minor improvements, especially in the starting lineup. A player that has been on the trade market for a while is OG Anunoby. He would be the perfect fit for the Knicks lineup.
Anunoby is a 6-foot-7 small forward where last season he averaged 16.8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, lead the league in steals at 1.9 per game and shot 47.6 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from 3, and 83.4 percent from the free throw line. Anunoby was also selected to the 2023 All-Defensive second team.
This is the type of player that is the perfect fit for Coach Thibs system. He gives the team more defense on the wing but it also allows the Knicks to play bigger. RJ Barrett is currently the Knicks starting small forward at 6-foot-6. Adding Anunoby will allow Barrett to move back to his natural position as a shooting guard and Barrett won't be responsible for guarding guys like Jimmy Butler.
The Knicks will be able to pull off the trade that includes Evan Fournier and multiple first-round picks. Anunoby will fill in a bunch of holes. He gives the Knicks consistent 3-point shooting, great slashing ability, a great free-throw shooter, and is one of the best defenders in the league.
Here are 3 players the Knicks should trade for: 1. Joel Embiid
If Knicks fans want a superstar, what would be better than trading for the 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid? Obviously, this would not be possible unless Embiid requests a trade from the 76ers. Considering that the 76ers situation is very uncertain, as they may be losing James Harden in free agency.
A Knicks trade with Joel Embiid will have to include a minimum of Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickly, and four first-round picks. They may have to include RJ Barrett or other young guys like Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride.
If the Knicks were to trade for Joel Embiid they would immediately become championship contenders, which the Knicks haven't been since the 1990s. As last year's league MVP Joel Embiid led the league in scoring at 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, on 55/33/86 splits. He also averaged 1.7 blocks and a steal.
In the NBA, you win championships with superstars and Joel Embiid is exactly that. He would also fit the mold of the Knicks system perfectly. He will provide great rim protection, floor spacing and also his phenomenal ability to draw fouls and make free throws at a high level.
He should also do wonders for the play of Jalen Brunson. Brunson played great in the playoffs but he didn't get much help, hopefully, Embiid will get past his playoff woes and he too will also have a great playoff co-star. If Joel Embiid becomes available the Knicks better make an offer.
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