KD to Knicks w/Grizz and Magic

[Texas Chuck]

Meanwhile, per various media sources, the Suns have been trying to trade the disgruntled (yet again!) KD for months. Months...and yet he's still on the Suns. I think if he were really as valuable as some people here seem to think, a deal would have already been found for him.

I don't think we can read too much into that. We know the Suns had some serious offers at the deadline and when they presented them to KD he asked not to be traded mid-season and they honored that.

Then while deals can be made now, typically they aren't made until the season is over for everyone. If he is still on the roster 7/15, then yeah I think we start to wonder if the Suns asking price is too high. But right now I don't personally think this tells anything.

But let me be clear in case Spree reads this, its just my opinion.

[taikibansei]

Meanwhile, per various media sources, the Suns have been trying to trade the disgruntled (yet again!) KD for months. Months...and yet he's still on the Suns. I think if he were really as valuable as some people here seem to think, a deal would have already been found for him.

I don't think we can read too much into that. We know the Suns had some serious offers at the deadline and when they presented them to KD he asked not to be traded mid-season and they honored that.

Then while deals can be made now, typically they aren't made until the season is over for everyone. If he is still on the roster 7/15, then yeah I think we start to wonder if the Suns asking price is too high. But right now I don't personally think this tells anything.

But let me be clear in case Spree reads this, its just my opinion.

Just my opinion, of course, but I don't give too much credence to the media rumors surrounding failed trades--too often, various beat writers seem to be serving merely as mouth pieces enabling management and/or the players involved to save face/avoid embarrassment. I.e., unless you're Ainge, then "almost trades" don't count. (And they don't count for Ainge either, but I think--just my opinion again--that Ainge's past propensity for leaking though the media that he'd almost been in on every single big trade was/is funny.)

This said, I agree with your opinion--in other words, our opinions concur--regarding how we will likely soon find out who is right. I also don't mind admitting when my opinion was/is wrong. (I just continue to hope that KD doesn't come to the Knicks, as I maintain an opinion that KD will not substantially help his next team.)

[jredsaz]

Don't see the Knicks trading Bridges one year after sending out all those draft picks to get him.

He is getting a new contract. Maybe they don’t want to pay him? This trade cleans up the Knicks cap sheet moving forward.

[jredsaz]

Looks terrible for Memphis, KAT isnt that valuable

Small world. Neither are Kevin Durant, Wendell Carter Jr., or Zach Edey. Knicks are not giving up Mikal Bridges and KAT--two starters who've just proven under Crazy Thibs that they can play well in very heavy minutes over a full season--for old KD and two extremely flawed role players who'd be deeply buried on the bench on most NBA teams. I.e., we'd be downgrading and reducing our depth just months after knocking off the defending champions and losing 4-2 to the Pacers (currently up 1-0 vs. OKC) in six mostly very close games.

Meanwhile, per various media sources, the Suns have been trying to trade the disgruntled (yet again!) KD for months. Months...and yet he's still on the Suns. I think if he were really as valuable as some people here seem to think, a deal would have already been found for him. Personally, I don't want KD on the Knicks, but if he does come in an exchange for KAT, I think we'd (i.e., the Knicks) be the ones getting back some minor sweetener (2rps?) as well.

I think you need to reassess some bias here. Zach Eddy is a good player on a rookie scale deal. That is a big win for the Knicks. It’s opens up the option to flip either Mitchell or WCJ for more depth. The cost of KAT and an extended Mikal cap the Knicks out and by most accounts they aren’t good enough as currently constructed to win a championship.

KD drives so much fear into the hearts of fans on this board for a guy who has averaged 27/6/5 on 57/43/85 over the last 2.5 seasons with the Suns. He could absolutely upgrade the Knicks on court performance next season and be more valuable in the playoffs. Knicks are one of a few teams I think he would consider playing the year on an expiring. Rick Klimen is dying to get KD to MSG.

[taikibansei]

Looks terrible for Memphis, KAT isnt that valuable

Small world. Neither are Kevin Durant, Wendell Carter Jr., or Zach Edey. Knicks are not giving up Mikal Bridges and KAT--two starters who've just proven under Crazy Thibs that they can play well in very heavy minutes over a full season--for old KD and two extremely flawed role players who'd be deeply buried on the bench on most NBA teams. I.e., we'd be downgrading and reducing our depth just months after knocking off the defending champions and losing 4-2 to the Pacers (currently up 1-0 vs. OKC) in six mostly very close games.

Meanwhile, per various media sources, the Suns have been trying to trade the disgruntled (yet again!) KD for months. Months...and yet he's still on the Suns. I think if he were really as valuable as some people here seem to think, a deal would have already been found for him. Personally, I don't want KD on the Knicks, but if he does come in an exchange for KAT, I think we'd (i.e., the Knicks) be the ones getting back some minor sweetener (2rps?) as well.

I think you need to reassess some bias here. Zach Eddy is a good player on a rookie scale deal. That is a big win for the Knicks. It’s opens up the option to flip either Mitchell or WCJ for more depth. The cost of KAT and an extended Mikal cap the Knicks out and by most accounts they aren’t good enough as currently constructed to win a championship.

KD drives so much fear into the hearts of fans on this board for a guy who has averaged 27/6/5 on 57/43/85 over the last 2.5 seasons with the Suns. He could absolutely upgrade the Knicks on court performance next season and be more valuable in the playoffs. Knicks are one of a few teams I think he would consider playing the year on an expiring. Rick Klimen is dying to get KD to MSG.

Edey (note spelling) is at best a bench player/fringe starter for a non-contender. KAT and KD were a wash last season--e.g., in addition to the nearly identical counting stats, KAT was +3.4 epm last season, KD +3.1 epm, etc. You don't pay additional assets--let alone another starter! --to get the older player back in such an even exchange. Oh, and the Knicks with Mikal and KAT were just last week nearly good enough to make it to the finals this year. Accordingly, by definition, we're competitive to challenge for a championship.

Again, you can keep Carter and Edey, and make sure you offer sufficient compensation if you want to exchange KD for KAT. I'm thinking an added frp would do it...oh, wait, you have none to trade. Oh well.

[jredsaz]

Small world. Neither are Kevin Durant, Wendell Carter Jr., or Zach Edey. Knicks are not giving up Mikal Bridges and KAT--two starters who've just proven under Crazy Thibs that they can play well in very heavy minutes over a full season--for old KD and two extremely flawed role players who'd be deeply buried on the bench on most NBA teams. I.e., we'd be downgrading and reducing our depth just months after knocking off the defending champions and losing 4-2 to the Pacers (currently up 1-0 vs. OKC) in six mostly very close games.

Meanwhile, per various media sources, the Suns have been trying to trade the disgruntled (yet again!) KD for months. Months...and yet he's still on the Suns. I think if he were really as valuable as some people here seem to think, a deal would have already been found for him. Personally, I don't want KD on the Knicks, but if he does come in an exchange for KAT, I think we'd (i.e., the Knicks) be the ones getting back some minor sweetener (2rps?) as well.

I think you need to reassess some bias here. Zach Eddy is a good player on a rookie scale deal. That is a big win for the Knicks. It’s opens up the option to flip either Mitchell or WCJ for more depth. The cost of KAT and an extended Mikal cap the Knicks out and by most accounts they aren’t good enough as currently constructed to win a championship.

KD drives so much fear into the hearts of fans on this board for a guy who has averaged 27/6/5 on 57/43/85 over the last 2.5 seasons with the Suns. He could absolutely upgrade the Knicks on court performance next season and be more valuable in the playoffs. Knicks are one of a few teams I think he would consider playing the year on an expiring. Rick Klimen is dying to get KD to MSG.

Edey (note spelling) is at best a bench player/fringe starter for a non-contender. KAT and KD were a wash last season--e.g., in addition to the nearly identical counting stats, KAT was +3.4 epm last season, KD +3.1 epm, etc. You don't pay additional assets--let alone another starter! --to get the older player back in such an even exchange. Oh, and the Knicks with Mikal and KAT were just last week nearly good enough to make it to the finals this year. Accordingly, by definition, we're competitive to challenge for a championship.

Again, you can keep Carter and Edey, and make sure you offer sufficient compensation if you want to exchange KD for KAT. I'm thinking an added frp would do it...oh, wait, you have none. Oh well.

A bench player at best? That’s a bad take to serve a bad argument. Also, KAT>KD in the playoffs isn’t really a question.

Knicks arent a championship level team as constructed. Their flaws, Brunson size and KAT as the secondary scoring option, were exposed.

As many have stated, Orlando owes more value so I don’t think a FRP would be out of the question in this scenario.

Most importantly you didn’t address the cap issues this iteration of the roster will face once Mikal gets extended. Because it’s tough. Knicks don’t have to make this particular trade or else but there is a reason they have interest in KD.

[Knickfan1982]

Knicks arent a championship level team as constructed. Their flaws, Brunson size and KAT as the secondary scoring option, were exposed.

Most importantly you didn’t address the cap issues this iteration of the roster will face once Mikal gets extended. Because it’s tough. Knicks don’t have to make this particular trade or else but there is a reason they have interest in KD.

KD is a great player. Guaranteed hall of famer that is still producing. Those kinds of guys become available you do your homework. So being interested in KD doesn't mean anything. Everyone should be interested in him. The major thing to consider is whether the cost of acquiring him is justifiable. I don't think KAT and Bridges is a fair price to pay for KD considering their relative ages and productivity. Sure the Knicks weren't good enough to get to the Finals as constructed but switching out Bridges and KAT for Durant isn't going to change that.

[jredsaz]

Knicks arent a championship level team as constructed. Their flaws, Brunson size and KAT as the secondary scoring option, were exposed.

Most importantly you didn’t address the cap issues this iteration of the roster will face once Mikal gets extended. Because it’s tough. Knicks don’t have to make this particular trade or else but there is a reason they have interest in KD.

KD is a great player. Guaranteed hall of famer that is still producing. Those kinds of guys become available you do your homework. So being interested in KD doesn't mean anything. Everyone should be interested in him. The major thing to consider is whether the cost of acquiring him is justifiable. I don't think KAT and Bridges is a fair price to pay for KD considering their relative ages and productivity. Sure the Knicks weren't good enough to get to the Finals as constructed but switching out Bridges and KAT for Durant isn't going to change that.

Yeah, the OP doesn’t just have KD coming back in the trade. Probably should have a pic (at least) coming back from Orlando too judging from the comments. I think Edey is getting overlooked here as well.

[Knickfan1982]

Knicks arent a championship level team as constructed. Their flaws, Brunson size and KAT as the secondary scoring option, were exposed.

Most importantly you didn’t address the cap issues this iteration of the roster will face once Mikal gets extended. Because it’s tough. Knicks don’t have to make this particular trade or else but there is a reason they have interest in KD.

KD is a great player. Guaranteed hall of famer that is still producing. Those kinds of guys become available you do your homework. So being interested in KD doesn't mean anything. Everyone should be interested in him. The major thing to consider is whether the cost of acquiring him is justifiable. I don't think KAT and Bridges is a fair price to pay for KD considering their relative ages and productivity. Sure the Knicks weren't good enough to get to the Finals as constructed but switching out Bridges and KAT for Durant isn't going to change that.

Yeah, the OP doesn’t just have KD coming back in the trade. Probably should have a pic (at least) coming back from Orlando too judging from the comments. I think Edey is getting overlooked here as well.

I like Edey. I wouldn't start him over Robinson because I like Robinson's athleticism more for our team but I like Edey. But he's not going to help us enough on the floor to compensate for what we lost.

[taikibansei]

KD is a great player. Guaranteed hall of famer that is still producing. Those kinds of guys become available you do your homework. So being interested in KD doesn't mean anything. Everyone should be interested in him. The major thing to consider is whether the cost of acquiring him is justifiable. I don't think KAT and Bridges is a fair price to pay for KD considering their relative ages and productivity. Sure the Knicks weren't good enough to get to the Finals as constructed but switching out Bridges and KAT for Durant isn't going to change that.

Yeah, the OP doesn’t just have KD coming back in the trade. Probably should have a pic (at least) coming back from Orlando too judging from the comments. I think Edey is getting overlooked here as well.

I like Edey. I wouldn't start him over Robinson because I like Robinson's athleticism more for our team but I like Edey. But he's not going to help us enough on the floor to compensate for what we lost.

Edey exceeded my expectations on the Grizzlies this past season, becoming a good bench player/occasional starter capable of playing about 20 minutes/game. He struggles defending space/the perimeter--e.g., Edey could never give us what Robinson did in Game 5 against the Pacers (when Mitch got perimeter stops on Hali, Turner and Siakim in just five minutes plus scored on an offensive rebound in traffic, forcing Carlisle to resort to hack-a-Mitch to get him off the court). That said, Edey when healthy is a good shot blocker and an effective rebounder/inside scorer. He's also even more injury prone than Robinson, and indeed is going to miss the start of this coming season:

Edey injured his ankle during an offseason training session. The Grizzlies did not offer a timeline, but the injury is expected to keep Edey out through the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

Ankle injuries have been an recurring issue for Edey since entering the NBA. He first injured his left ankle while playing summer league in July 2024. His first major NBA injury was also a left ankle injury that resulted in him missing 12 games.

The latest ankle injury resulted in surgery being the best option for Edey.

https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2025/06/07/zach-edey-injury-update-memphis-grizzlies-basketball/84090424007/

It's the chronic nature of his injuries that's the biggest red flag (Robinson gets injured also, but often in freak events). Given Edey's defensive limitations and how he already (in his first year) has struggled with both mobility and leg health, I stand by what I wrote up-thread: "Edey (note spelling) is at best a bench player/fringe starter for a non-contender." I'm not trading Mikal for that.

Regarding KD vs. KAT...first, just to be clear (for like the hundredth time), I realize that KD has had the far better career. This said, I want to talk about last season. KAT in 72 regular season games just averaged 24.4/12.8/3.1 (.584 eFG%, .630 TS%). KD in 62 regular season games just averaged 26.6/6.0/4.2 (.598 eFG%, .642 TS%). In addition to the nearly identical counting stats, KAT was +3.4 epm last season, KD +3.1 epm--i.e., KD's slightly better defense is sort of canceled out by KAT's slightly better rebounding. Accordingly, even assuming KD's continued health, there is little to suggest that exchanging him for KAT is going to significantly improve the Knicks next season.

But there's more: KD doesn't do well with media attention, and became disgruntled on OKC, the Warriors, the Nets, and now the Suns in quick succession. He's also, by his own admission, not a leader. On the other hand, KAT handles the NYC media nicely and (despite some hiccups) remains well-liked by his teammates. And finally, there's the age factor. Now, Texas Chuck posted recently that the age factor shouldn't matter in today's league because of improved medical treatment. I disagree. Superstars have always tended to play significantly longer at levels far better than their peers. KAJ, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Stockton, Parrish, Kobe--and now Lebron, Curry and KD himself--are examples of this. However, when an older superstar finally goes, it's very quick and very disastrous. Durant is 37 and has had multiple, serious leg injuries. That to me is scary stuff.

Accordingly, yet again, I stand by what I wrote up-thread: "Personally, I don't want KD on the Knicks, but if he does come in an exchange for KAT, I think we'd (i.e., the Knicks) be the ones getting back some minor sweetener (2rps?) as well."