Trades and Transactions 2025 continued x2

[KnixinSix]

trading kat and not getting back an elite 2nd option offensively? we take a step back getting worse here and should be the ones saying no

yeah the defense gets better and we add depth but your basically are going back to basically having Brunson do absolutely everything offensively (shot creation wise). Not ideal.

We become elite defensively. Solidify our rebounding and paint defense. Open the door for more touches for DDV/OG/Mikal who all showed they could thrive in NY when they get touches in rhythm.

This is more of a "team" approach instead of a top-heavy approach to offense. And this group is young enough to stay together for 3-4 years.

I'm a sucker for defense. I think we'd have enough offense to get to the Finals. Plus, we might get the Nova-4 boost we've all been waiting for...

Sol.....The trade I last proposed while keeping KAT accomplishes everything you are trying to do but so much more. It gets you Divo too.




C Kessler (28)/KAT (12)/ Huk (8)
PF KAT(20)/OG (18)/ Jabari (10)
SF OG(15)/Jabari (15)/ Hart (5)/MLE (13) - Oubre, Nance, Trent Jr
SG Divo (20)/ Hart (20)/ McBride (5)/MLE (3)
PG Brunson (34)/Divo (8) / McBride (6)

*Kessler offers more durability and more dynamic scoring at the C position than Robinson to complement KAT

*Jabari is a defensively versatile big that also compliments KAT. with more mobility to play vs the 5 out teams that spread thefloor and play with Pace.

*Hart plays the more appropriate role off bench as high energy guy.

*Divo in theory if he comes back like NYK Divo is a infinite range shooter who really opens it up for Brunson. Those two played amazingly together in a season that was short circuited by an unprecedented level of injuries that piled up.

*The 14-15 non Brunson minutes or so generally will feature KAT on floor as #1 option. This will help stagger them and they would only share about 18-20 minutes on floor together. Minimizing the defensive liability when both are out there same time. Part of the 18-20 minutes they share will also have Kessler or Jabari out there to shield KAT defensively in the front court.

* Great depth and defensive versatility in the backcourt as well as front court.

[sol537]

yeah the defense gets better and we add depth but your basically are going back to basically having Brunson do absolutely everything offensively (shot creation wise). Not ideal.

We become elite defensively. Solidify our rebounding and paint defense. Open the door for more touches for DDV/OG/Mikal who all showed they could thrive in NY when they get touches in rhythm.

This is more of a "team" approach instead of a top-heavy approach to offense. And this group is young enough to stay together for 3-4 years.

I'm a sucker for defense. I think we'd have enough offense to get to the Finals. Plus, we might get the Nova-4 boost we've all been waiting for...

You still have two smaller guards that will get picked on in Brunson/Divo who aren't good defensively. Yes your Mikal/OG/GObert group is great defense.

But if teams just trap brunson you are really relying on Mikal/OG/Divo to be consistent scorers. I trust Mikal with the ball in spurts but OG and Divo not really.

You mean the Divo and OG that became Klay Thompson and Kawhi lite for us last year? Especially in the playoffs against IND where we were throttling them to an almost 3-0 lead until OG went down with the injury... I'd trust those guys with a non-Thibs coach...

[sol537]

yeah the defense gets better and we add depth but your basically are going back to basically having Brunson do absolutely everything offensively (shot creation wise). Not ideal.

We become elite defensively. Solidify our rebounding and paint defense. Open the door for more touches for DDV/OG/Mikal who all showed they could thrive in NY when they get touches in rhythm.

This is more of a "team" approach instead of a top-heavy approach to offense. And this group is young enough to stay together for 3-4 years.

I'm a sucker for defense. I think we'd have enough offense to get to the Finals. Plus, we might get the Nova-4 boost we've all been waiting for...

Sol.....The trade I last proposed while keeping KAT accomplishes everything you are trying to do but so much more. It gets you Divo too.

Not bad, but we'd be banking on Smith's development jump big time... if he turns into a pumpkin or has already reached his cap, then we just swapped Bridges out for DDV and filler... after paying 4-5 picks for him... ouch.

[rajajackal]

He was being asked to run through brick walls all night. Usually on one of the best players on the other team. Then being asked to stand in the corner on offense. Still managed 17+ on 50/35.4 playing solid to great defense. With NO offensive system. Filled in when Jalen went down just fine.

Thibs was the problem.

i don't see thibs's issues and mikal's as mutually exclusive. thibs failed to design an offense that made brunson's or KAT's lives easier which was the whole point of making that trade. mikal stepped up in the playoffs for sure and i credit him for that but i think he had mental issues that are his own responsibility just like randle's were his

Randle? Thibs was a problem. The problem for more than just Mikal. Mentioning Randle is a joke when discussing Mikal. Again, his production was pretty good for a guy people trash around here. I truly do not understand the hate this kid gets. It's kinda ridiculous honestly.

randle's production was good on paper too. i'm just saying both guys showed loser-like mental issues that are their own problem coaching aside. the coach's problem was a failure of x's and o's but i'm not interested in babying the players. we should all want mikal to be fiercer next year if we want to win a chip. i'm not saying beating his chest and screaming all the time. og's a chill dude but he plays basketball with tenacity, as a knick fan that's what i like to see

[KnixinSix]

We become elite defensively. Solidify our rebounding and paint defense. Open the door for more touches for DDV/OG/Mikal who all showed they could thrive in NY when they get touches in rhythm.

This is more of a "team" approach instead of a top-heavy approach to offense. And this group is young enough to stay together for 3-4 years.

I'm a sucker for defense. I think we'd have enough offense to get to the Finals. Plus, we might get the Nova-4 boost we've all been waiting for...

Sol.....The trade I last proposed while keeping KAT accomplishes everything you are trying to do but so much more. It gets you Divo too.

Not bad, but we'd be banking on Smith's development jump big time... if he turns into a pumpkin or has already reached his cap, then we just swapped Bridges out for DDV and filler... after paying 4-5 picks for him... ouch.

No bro.....Smith is ALREADY a good defender and thats the most important part. The offensive game is just gravy when you have KAT and Brunson as your top 2 followed by Divo and OG. Mikal is on the last year of his deal and may have burned Bridges.

Kessler/Smith is actually a pretty good return. And you are getting Divo too...

[mpharris36]

We become elite defensively. Solidify our rebounding and paint defense. Open the door for more touches for DDV/OG/Mikal who all showed they could thrive in NY when they get touches in rhythm.

This is more of a "team" approach instead of a top-heavy approach to offense. And this group is young enough to stay together for 3-4 years.

I'm a sucker for defense. I think we'd have enough offense to get to the Finals. Plus, we might get the Nova-4 boost we've all been waiting for...

You still have two smaller guards that will get picked on in Brunson/Divo who aren't good defensively. Yes your Mikal/OG/GObert group is great defense.

But if teams just trap brunson you are really relying on Mikal/OG/Divo to be consistent scorers. I trust Mikal with the ball in spurts but OG and Divo not really.

You mean the Divo and OG that became Klay Thompson and Kawhi lite for us last year? Especially in the playoffs against IND where we were throttling them to an almost 3-0 lead until OG went down with the injury... I'd trust those guys with a non-Thibs coach...

The same Divo that was a -6.9 NET rating for us in the playoffs. I get he hit that big shot and had some big games from 3 but his defense is pretty terrible. For someone who loves Divo, he's a pretty awful defender and now because he's playing with Brunson you are basically asking him be the POA defender on the team which would be a disaster.

The Divo love here is a bit out of control. Good instant offense spark type player but relying on him to be a main offensive hub is a recipe for disaster.

[mpharris36]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

[KnixinSix]

You still have two smaller guards that will get picked on in Brunson/Divo who aren't good defensively. Yes your Mikal/OG/GObert group is great defense.

But if teams just trap brunson you are really relying on Mikal/OG/Divo to be consistent scorers. I trust Mikal with the ball in spurts but OG and Divo not really.

You mean the Divo and OG that became Klay Thompson and Kawhi lite for us last year? Especially in the playoffs against IND where we were throttling them to an almost 3-0 lead until OG went down with the injury... I'd trust those guys with a non-Thibs coach...

The same Divo that was a -6.9 NET rating for us in the playoffs. I get he hit that big shot and had some big games from 3 but his defense is pretty terrible. For someone who loves Divo, he's a pretty awful defender and now because he's playing with Brunson you are basically asking him be the POA defender on the team which would be a disaster.

The Divo love here is a bit out of control. Good instant offense spark type player but relying on him to be a main offensive hub is a recipe for disaster.

No . You need to keep KAT as your other main offensive engine. Divo when he is on is a spacing force but yes he isnt ideal defensively either.

[KnixinSix]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

[mpharris36]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

not sure I agree if the cost is Mikal/Mitch

How much better is Kessler than Mitch? Mitch is proven to impact playoff games when healthy. Kessler I like a lot but not sure I see a huge difference between them.

Then Jabari Smith is a huge downgrade from Mikal. And Donte doesn't make up that gap.

[Jalen Bluntson]

i don't see thibs's issues and mikal's as mutually exclusive. thibs failed to design an offense that made brunson's or KAT's lives easier which was the whole point of making that trade. mikal stepped up in the playoffs for sure and i credit him for that but i think he had mental issues that are his own responsibility just like randle's were his

Randle? Thibs was a problem. The problem for more than just Mikal. Mentioning Randle is a joke when discussing Mikal. Again, his production was pretty good for a guy people trash around here. I truly do not understand the hate this kid gets. It's kinda ridiculous honestly.

randle's production was good on paper too. i'm just saying both guys showed loser-like mental issues that are their own problem coaching aside. the coach's problem was a failure of x's and o's but i'm not interested in babying the players. we should all want mikal to be fiercer next year if we want to win a chip. i'm not saying beating his chest and screaming all the time. og's a chill dude but he plays basketball with tenacity, as a knick fan that's what i like to see

Well ok then. One of the better two way players in the league, who played better for us than the banter on here would have you to believe, needs to play with more intensity? Ok.

Like I said, the criticism this kid gets is just wild. Solid stats in spite of poor coaching be damned. He is goofy. He's not mean enough.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

Not better than Mikal/Mitch.

[KnixinSix]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

not sure I agree if the cost is Mikal/Mitch

How much better is Kessler than Mitch? Mitch is proven to impact playoff games when healthy. Kessler I like a lot but not sure I see a huge difference between them.

Then Jabari Smith is a huge downgrade from Mikal. And Donte doesn't make up that gap.

MPH and JB ...both you know better than most there is a business side to this too. Both from a relationship standpoint as well as new CBA standpoint.

Both Mitch and Mikal are neither CAA and both are on last year of their deals. Mikal apparently burned some Bridges last year (no pun intended) and Mitch NEVER plays more than like 30 games.

I like Mikal a lot actually but to make this work under the new CBA and maximize our window without the 2nd Apron this approach makes a ton of sense. Especially if you want to build around KAT and shield his defensive deficiencies. Kesslers longer contract and cheap window as well as better durability combined with a pretty defensively versatile big in Jabari makes a very nice combo around KAT.

[KnixinSix]

Smith is another one that is getting way too overrated on this board. He is a decent defender (not a difference maker) his shot is inconsistant and he really isn't switchable onto guards so he's limited.

We are trying to win a championship we aren't trying to take a risk in developing a underwhelming player and hope he takes a leap for a couple sure fire things in Mikal/Mitch.

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

Not better than Mikal/Mitch.

See reply above....

[mpharris36]

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

not sure I agree if the cost is Mikal/Mitch

How much better is Kessler than Mitch? Mitch is proven to impact playoff games when healthy. Kessler I like a lot but not sure I see a huge difference between them.

Then Jabari Smith is a huge downgrade from Mikal. And Donte doesn't make up that gap.

MPH and JB ...both you know better than most there is a business side to this too. Both from a relationship standpoint as well as new CBA standpoint.

Both Mitch and Mikal are neither CAA and both are on last year of their deals. Mikal apparently burned some Bridges last year (no pun intended) and Mitch NEVER plays more than like 30 games.

I like Mikal a lot actually but to make this work under the new CBA and maximize our window without the 2nd Apron this approach makes a ton of sense. Especially if you want to build around KAT and shield his defensive deficiencies. Kesslers longer contract and cheap window as well as better durability combined with a pretty defensively versatile big in Jabari makes a very nice combo around KAT.

Its fine if you want to trade Mikal+Mitch

just find a much better package.

[KnixinSix]

not sure I agree if the cost is Mikal/Mitch

How much better is Kessler than Mitch? Mitch is proven to impact playoff games when healthy. Kessler I like a lot but not sure I see a huge difference between them.

Then Jabari Smith is a huge downgrade from Mikal. And Donte doesn't make up that gap.

MPH and JB ...both you know better than most there is a business side to this too. Both from a relationship standpoint as well as new CBA standpoint.

Both Mitch and Mikal are neither CAA and both are on last year of their deals. Mikal apparently burned some Bridges last year (no pun intended) and Mitch NEVER plays more than like 30 games.

I like Mikal a lot actually but to make this work under the new CBA and maximize our window without the 2nd Apron this approach makes a ton of sense. Especially if you want to build around KAT and shield his defensive deficiencies. Kesslers longer contract and cheap window as well as better durability combined with a pretty defensively versatile big in Jabari makes a very nice combo around KAT.

Its fine if you want to trade Mikal+Mitch

just find a much better package.

I did...but as Plan C or D I like this one too.


Plan A. Giannis. It's Giannis and probably why why are pushing so hard for Kidd.

Plan B. JJJ. Perfect complement to KAT in frontcourt. I can understand why this could even be Plan A for some as well as it may not cost as much. Does he extend with Memphis tho.....

Plan C. Kessler/Smith/Divo. Offensive rebound and blocking machine. Still young and cost controlled. If you also can pull off Jabari with him that is an excellent frontcourt combo to pair with KAT if you can't land the bigger fishies. Divo plays the bomber role of the year prior.

[Jalen Bluntson]

A Kessler/Smith package fits the team well especially if we are building around KAT/Brunson.

Not better than Mikal/Mitch.

See reply above....

No thanks. I have read enough of these trade proposals for unavailable players and four team deals and all sorts of wild stuff. Mikal and Mitch are better than Kessler/Smith. We aren't making this trade.

[KnixinSix]

Not better than Mikal/Mitch.

See reply above....

No thanks. I have read enough of these trade proposals for unavailable players and four team deals and all sorts of wild stuff. Mikal and Mitch are better than Kessler/Smith. We aren't making this trade.

Unfortunately, This is where the fandom part blinds us to the business part of this reality

[Appleshampoo]

Not better than Mikal/Mitch.

See reply above....

No thanks. I have read enough of these trade proposals for unavailable players and four team deals and all sorts of wild stuff. Mikal and Mitch are better than Kessler/Smith. We aren't making this trade.

Maybe Bridges fits into a 3-team trade where Knicks get JJJ, Rockets gets Bridges, Grizzlies get Whitmore and Jabari.

[mpharris36]

MPH and JB ...both you know better than most there is a business side to this too. Both from a relationship standpoint as well as new CBA standpoint.

Both Mitch and Mikal are neither CAA and both are on last year of their deals. Mikal apparently burned some Bridges last year (no pun intended) and Mitch NEVER plays more than like 30 games.

I like Mikal a lot actually but to make this work under the new CBA and maximize our window without the 2nd Apron this approach makes a ton of sense. Especially if you want to build around KAT and shield his defensive deficiencies. Kesslers longer contract and cheap window as well as better durability combined with a pretty defensively versatile big in Jabari makes a very nice combo around KAT.

Its fine if you want to trade Mikal+Mitch

just find a much better package.

I did...but as Plan C or D I like this one too.


Plan A. Giannis. It's Giannis and probably why why are pushing so hard for Kidd.

Plan B. JJJ. Perfect complement to KAT in frontcourt. I can understand why this could even be Plan A for some as well as it may not cost as much. Does he extend with Memphis tho.....

Plan C. Kessler/Smith/Divo. Offensive rebound and blocking machine. Still young and cost controlled. If you also can pull off Jabari with him that is an excellent frontcourt combo to pair with KAT if you can't land the bigger fishies. Divo plays the bomber role of the year prior.

Plan C for a lake of better terms stinks. Mikal can still extend and so can Mitch.

We aren't trying to take a step back and that is exactly what plan C does.