Trades and Transactions Thread - 2025 Cont'd

[thebuzzardman]

Five top scenarios I can think of so far.....

1.Memphis wants to blow it up. Bridges still has strong value and was misused here. KAT finished top 10 in mvp even with the warts and is not a great fit with Brunson(from a defensive standpoint)

JJJ/Bane & Clark (for salary matching) for KAT/Bridges

JJJ/Mitch
OG/JJJ
Hart/OG
Bane/McBride
Brunson/Wright

Thats a much better lineup to assemble around Brunson.

OR

2. Giannis and Kuzma for KAT and Bridges and 3 FRP swaps and Wash 1st.

3.Bill Simmons suggested a 3 way deal with KAT and Spur picks going to Milwaukee, Giannis to NY and Bridges to Spurs

4. Would Phx be willing to move Dev Booker for KAT? Both have the EXACT same salary both in annual salary as well as total contract amount.

5. If Minny wants to resign Randle.....Mikal Bridges (24.9) and Kolek (2.1) for DDV (11.99) and Naz Reid (15M opted in player option)

I'd rather find a trade where Hart is no longer on the team.

Hart, OG and JJJ in the starting lineup is the same offensive disaster the Knicks had all season and the playoffs. Actually, it's worse, since Mikal could at least create his weird off balance fadeaways, and that would be gone.

[Garbagelo]

Tell me this story doesn't just write itself, just in time for NBA on NBC with their lovely storytelling

I get it but our depth does get zapped again. And its a 2 for 1 trade. I see it like a 3 for 1 trade to be honest. Hart had a monster year because of KAT's spacing. Hart and Giannis will not mesh well...so your killing his value as well.

I'm torn because Giannis is Giannis...but it doesn't solve all our issues because our depth still sucks...we lose shooting...and your relying even more on Mitch and OG's health.

There are 2 ways to think about this:

1) We couldn't keep up with the Pacers (and likely OKC) because of our lack of depth

2) We didn't have the right guys to run Thibs system which had massive success vs the Pacers in 2024

Both are likely correct. It is real hard to solve for both when you have KAT and get to a championship beyond that. This will only solve for 2 imo.

[Knicksfan1992]

I guess I just disagree with most here on KAT's value around the league.

The Knicks gave up a multiple time all-star, an elite shooter on a cheap deal and a 1st to get him. Then KAT had one of his best seasons as a pro right after and was a major contributor of a team that was 2 wins away from the Finals... At worst he's maintained a similar level of value IMO

And this idea he is unplayable in the playoffs at all is a bit bananas to me. His career playoff stats sit at:

20/11/2 on 48/35/83 splits.

The guy has value even if his fit can be a bit wonky on certain teams and he really raises a team's offensive floor and ceiling. Every player who isn't an all-time great has flaws. Every championship roster has had to find a way to fit major players who have flaws into a winning formula. KAT is not some dooming player who kills all hope . His recent playoff successes directly contradict that IMO.

Really, what stands between KAT from being a great fit is learning how to set a screen and stop zoning out on defense.

These issues are both minor/controllable and yet present for his whole career.

I think the biggest thing with KAT's public perception is his issues are LOUD. They stand out because they are so individualistic in nature and so focused on him singularly.

They are still "overcomable" issues and worth the other stuff he gives you IMO.

For example, nobody would ever say prime Klay Thompson is a bad fit somewhere but the fact that he couldn't really create off the dribble, pass or defend off-ball didn't really stand out because you don't notice those kinds of things when

A) You're surrounded by the eco system the Warriors created.

B) There's not a ref blowing a whistle at you every time you make the wrong pass or don't create in an iso situation even if it does hurt your team in a more abstract way

[thebuzzardman]

Five top scenarios I can think of so far.....

1.Memphis wants to blow it up. Bridges still has strong value and was misused here. KAT finished top 10 in mvp even with the warts and is not a great fit with Brunson(from a defensive standpoint)

JJJ/Bane & Clark (for salary matching) for KAT/Bridges

JJJ/Mitch
OG/JJJ
Hart/OG
Bane/McBride
Brunson/Wright

Thats a much better lineup to assemble around Brunson.

OR

2. Giannis and Kuzma for KAT and Bridges and 3 FRP swaps and Wash 1st.

3.Bill Simmons suggested a 3 way deal with KAT and Spur picks going to Milwaukee, Giannis to NY and Bridges to Spurs

4. Would Phx be willing to move Dev Booker for KAT? Both have the EXACT same salary both in annual salary as well as total contract amount.

5. If Minny wants to resign Randle.....Mikal Bridges (24.9) and Kolek (2.1) for DDV (11.99) and Naz Reid (15M opted in player option)

Brunson is terrible and you’re still talking about building around him? Jaren Jackson is another soft big man who jacks up threes.

It’s Giannis or bust.

Brunson is terrible? Hand in your Knick fan card.

Giannis? Yes, let's get all his declining years.

[GONYK]

I guess I just disagree with most here on KAT's value around the league.

The Knicks gave up a multiple time all-star, an elite shooter on a cheap deal and a 1st to get him. Then KAT had one of his best seasons as a pro right after and was a major contributor of a team that was 2 wins away from the Finals... At worst he's maintained a similar level of value IMO

And this idea he is unplayable in the playoffs at all is a bit bananas to me. His career playoff stats sit at:

20/11/2 on 48/35/83 splits.

The guy has value even if his fit can be a bit wonky on certain teams and he really raises a team's offensive floor and ceiling. Every player who isn't an all-time great has flaws. Every championship roster has had to find a way to fit major players who have flaws into a winning formula. KAT is not some dooming player who kills all hope . His recent playoff successes directly contradict that IMO.

Really, what stands between KAT from being a great fit is learning how to set a screen and stop zoning out on defense.

These issues are both minor/controllable and yet present for his whole career.

The not meshing with Brunson on offense is concerning. But the 2nd most is if the coaching staff is going to stay and they have came out publicly now that he was messing up defensive coverages. How can you trust him to not continue to do that.

There is no denying his talent...and the trade still makes sense for what we gave up and what we got back in return. But its a legit question to ask going forward if it makes sense because KAT's value went up this year IMO. He was healthy...metrically he was our best player. He was an all-star starter and 3rd team all NBA...his value certainly didn't go down.

But ever move has to be with Brunson in mind going forward.

In my eyes, the offensive incompatibility with Brunson was due to 2 issues:
1. His inability to set a screen
2. Thibs' refusal to play 5 out.

KAT and Brunson certainly weren't a bad offensive pairing the first 3 months of the season when teams had their 5 on KAT.

As for the defense that is concerning, but we'll have another year with the team together and hopefully Thibs doesn't just play drop all year then change the scheme without any real practices in the playoffs. KAT owns his part in it for sure, but I don't ship the guy away at a discount over it.

[GONYK]

I guess I just disagree with most here on KAT's value around the league.

The Knicks gave up a multiple time all-star, an elite shooter on a cheap deal and a 1st to get him. Then KAT had one of his best seasons as a pro right after and was a major contributor of a team that was 2 wins away from the Finals... At worst he's maintained a similar level of value IMO

And this idea he is unplayable in the playoffs at all is a bit bananas to me. His career playoff stats sit at:

20/11/2 on 48/35/83 splits.

The guy has value even if his fit can be a bit wonky on certain teams and he really raises a team's offensive floor and ceiling. Every player who isn't an all-time great has flaws. Every championship roster has had to find a way to fit major players who have flaws into a winning formula. KAT is not some dooming player who kills all hope . His recent playoff successes directly contradict that IMO.

Really, what stands between KAT from being a great fit is learning how to set a screen and stop zoning out on defense.

These issues are both minor/controllable and yet present for his whole career.

I think the biggest thing with KAT's public perception is his issues are LOUD. They stand out because they are so individualistic in nature and so focused on him singularly.

They are still "overcomable" issues and worth the other stuff he gives you IMO.

For example, nobody would ever say prime Klay Thompson is a bad fit somewhere but the fact that he couldn't really create off the dribble, pass or defend off-ball didn't really stand out because you don't notice those kinds of things when

A) You're surrounded by the eco system the Warriors created.

B) There's not a ref blowing a whistle at you every time you make the wrong pass or don't create in an iso situation even if it does hurt your team in a more abstract way

I completely agree with this.

We're one more wing away from having that ecosystem for KAT, because Thibs won't play 2 small guards together.

[spree2kawhi]

Really, what stands between KAT from being a great fit is learning how to set a screen and stop zoning out on defense.

These issues are both minor/controllable and yet present for his whole career.

I think the biggest thing with KAT's public perception is his issues are LOUD. They stand out because they are so individualistic in nature and so focused on him singularly.

They are still "overcomable" issues and worth the other stuff he gives you IMO.

For example, nobody would ever say prime Klay Thompson is a bad fit somewhere but the fact that he couldn't really create off the dribble, pass or defend off-ball didn't really stand out because you don't notice those kinds of things when

A) You're surrounded by the eco system the Warriors created.

B) There's not a ref blowing a whistle at you every time you make the wrong pass or don't create in an iso situation even if it does hurt your team in a more abstract way

I completely agree with this.

We're one more wing away from having that ecosystem for KAT, because Thibs won't play 2 small guards together.

We can solve the rotation. There will be enough room for us to add another strong wing and another big body to back up Mitch and Towns. We can offer Deuce and the rookies, and we can also sign a veteran. I’m sure there will be good vets willing to play for this type of team and with these unselfish players. We’re still in this thing and IF Giannis really goes to Toronto (as opposed to OKC or Boston, which is my fear), we’ll certainly be among the top teams next year. Good times.

[SARGO127]

IF we don’t make a major move and keep this core together, I would love Brook on a MLE and make a move for a late 1st and early 2nd and grab Clayton and Kalkbrenner. A guard that can handle and score + big that can stretch the floor and defend. Those would be good rotational pieces… if Thibs waned to play them

[KnixinSix]

Tell me this story doesn't just write itself, just in time for NBA on NBC with their lovely storytelling

I get it but our depth does get zapped again. And its a 2 for 1 trade. I see it like a 3 for 1 trade to be honest. Hart had a monster year because of KAT's spacing. Hart and Giannis will not mesh well...so your killing his value as well.

I'm torn because Giannis is Giannis...but it doesn't solve all our issues because our depth still sucks...we lose shooting...and your relying even more on Mitch and OG's health.

Yes you need to at least get a half decent player back from either Milwaukee or Spurs. Maybe Kuzma.

[mpharris36]

Really, what stands between KAT from being a great fit is learning how to set a screen and stop zoning out on defense.

These issues are both minor/controllable and yet present for his whole career.

The not meshing with Brunson on offense is concerning. But the 2nd most is if the coaching staff is going to stay and they have came out publicly now that he was messing up defensive coverages. How can you trust him to not continue to do that.

There is no denying his talent...and the trade still makes sense for what we gave up and what we got back in return. But its a legit question to ask going forward if it makes sense because KAT's value went up this year IMO. He was healthy...metrically he was our best player. He was an all-star starter and 3rd team all NBA...his value certainly didn't go down.

But ever move has to be with Brunson in mind going forward.

In my eyes, the offensive incompatibility with Brunson was due to 2 issues:
1. His inability to set a screen
2. Thibs' refusal to play 5 out.

KAT and Brunson certainly weren't a bad offensive pairing the first 3 months of the season when teams had their 5 on KAT.

As for the defense that is concerning, but we'll have another year with the team together and hopefully Thibs doesn't just play drop all year then change the scheme without any real practices in the playoffs. KAT owns his part in it for sure, but I don't ship the guy away at a discount over it.

Screening is probably the easiest thing that can change...

With Josh Hart on this team I just don't see how Thibs doesn't play him a ton of minutes so I truly wonder if we will ever play 5-out with thibs as the coach.

Also defense I don't have high hopes...Thibs doesn't adjust enough from his "shell" to really get creative to work with KAT on defense.

I do agree that you are only trading KAT if you get a package that makes sense. He was an extremely productive player...and outside of a **** game 6 in indy...he was a very productive player all year (including the playoffs) even with his defensive gaffs.

[knicksstuff]

1)You have to hope Giannis wants only the Knicks and Bucks grant him his wish. Trade KAT , Mcbride and whatever other small peices are needed.
2) Call up Scott Perry and ask for a favor to have him send over Keon Ellis to be our back up wing
3) Sign hard nosed Vets as backups this is where Leon has to use his connections

Brunson // Mikal // OG // Giannis // Mitch
CP3 // Shamet // Ellis // Hart // Steven Adams

[KnixinSix]

I think the biggest thing with KAT's public perception is his issues are LOUD. They stand out because they are so individualistic in nature and so focused on him singularly.

They are still "overcomable" issues and worth the other stuff he gives you IMO.

For example, nobody would ever say prime Klay Thompson is a bad fit somewhere but the fact that he couldn't really create off the dribble, pass or defend off-ball didn't really stand out because you don't notice those kinds of things when

A) You're surrounded by the eco system the Warriors created.

B) There's not a ref blowing a whistle at you every time you make the wrong pass or don't create in an iso situation even if it does hurt your team in a more abstract way

I completely agree with this.

We're one more wing away from having that ecosystem for KAT, because Thibs won't play 2 small guards together.

We can solve the rotation. There will be enough room for us to add another strong wing and another big body to back up Mitch and Towns. We can offer Deuce and the rookies, and we can also sign a veteran. I’m sure there will be good vets willing to play for this type of team and with these unselfish players. We’re still in this thing and IF Giannis really goes to Toronto (as opposed to OKC or Boston, which is my fear), we’ll certainly be among the top teams next year. Good times.

Under Thibs and with this being Brunson's team, KAT has to go. Another coach though absolutely at least has a chance to make it work better.

Still if I can get Giannis or JJJ or even Booker you find a way to make it happen for KAT in a second. Brunson needs to be surrounded with 2 way players.

[seren]

Honestly with the second apron rules, I don’t see any big trade for us. If something happens, it would involve Hart or Bridges and bring back a similar smaller contract, not Giannis or KD size one. I am hoping they use the minimum contracts a bit wiser. Given Philly, Milwaukee, and Boston are not expected to get better and Cleveland may struggle to keep the roster together, I think we can be right back where we are next year.

2nd apron rules is another reason they should trade KAT. He’s making too much money based on his production and liabilities.

KAT and Thibs for 2025-26 means we are not likely to ever again reach the ECF. One or both have to go. Yesterday was like the Pacers on ice skates and the Knicks stuck in cement. For a reported D coach, Thibs screwed the pooch. And that's not even getting into the pound 17 seconds for an iso offense. That worked well yesterday, didn't it? If this was baseball, KAT would be the designated hitter. And valuable. But it's basketball.

Curious why you think this way. What have you seen from the current eastern conference that makes you think the teams we beat with these guys that will make them better or the teams we didn’t face to be better than this squad?

[spree8]

IF we don’t make a major move and keep this core together, I would love Brook on a MLE and make a move for a late 1st and early 2nd and grab Clayton and Kalkbrenner. A guard that can handle and score + big that can stretch the floor and defend. Those would be good rotational pieces… if Thibs waned to play them

We only have the 5.7 tax MLE.

I dunno if guys like Brook or Horford (who I think the FO should gun it after since Boston is cutting $, Tatum is out all yr, and he’s close with KAT)… would go for it.

Cp3 is another guy Leon should be trying to beg to come here… long shot, but not completely out of the question.

Jalen | Mikal | OG | Horford | KAT
CP3 | Deuce | Hart | Mitch

I’d be ok running it back with that. Maybe try to bring in another vet min like Taurean Prince to backup the 3/4.

[seren]

If you think you can replace what KAT gave us or even what Bridges gave this playoffs with an average player, you are mistaken big time. I understand the frustration with a bad loss but go through the Boston series again. Watch those games. And then let’s discuss again. We went to the ECF because of these players not in spite of them. I am all fine with upgrading talent if you find one, but a move sideways or reduced talent even if it means a more balanced bench will make this team take a big step back.

[KnixinSix]

Five top scenarios I can think of so far.....

1.Memphis wants to blow it up. Bridges still has strong value and was misused here. KAT finished top 10 in mvp even with the warts and is not a great fit with Brunson(from a defensive standpoint)

JJJ/Bane & Clark (for salary matching) for KAT/Bridges

JJJ/Mitch
OG/JJJ
Hart/OG
Bane/McBride
Brunson/Wright

Thats a much better lineup to assemble around Brunson.

OR

2. Giannis and Kuzma for KAT and Bridges and 3 FRP swaps and Wash 1st.

3.Bill Simmons suggested a 3 way deal with KAT and Spur picks going to Milwaukee, Giannis to NY and Bridges to Spurs

4. Would Phx be willing to move Dev Booker for KAT? Both have the EXACT same salary both in annual salary as well as total contract amount.

5. If Minny wants to resign Randle.....Mikal Bridges (24.9) and Kolek (2.1) for DDV (11.99) and Naz Reid (15M opted in player option)

I'd rather find a trade where Hart is no longer on the team.

Hart, OG and JJJ in the starting lineup is the same offensive disaster the Knicks had all season and the playoffs. Actually, it's worse, since Mikal could at least create his weird off balance fadeaways, and that would be gone.

Not opposed to trading Hart but Bane is a better overall offensive player than either Bridges or OG and has a more rugged frame and willingness to fight through screens than Bridges

Also I believe they could offer McBride, Kolek and some other stuff to get Divo back here too.

[8516knicks]

2nd apron rules is another reason they should trade KAT. He’s making too much money based on his production and liabilities.

KAT and Thibs for 2025-26 means we are not likely to ever again reach the ECF. One or both have to go. Yesterday was like the Pacers on ice skates and the Knicks stuck in cement. For a reported D coach, Thibs screwed the pooch. And that's not even getting into the pound 17 seconds for an iso offense. That worked well yesterday, didn't it? If this was baseball, KAT would be the designated hitter. And valuable. But it's basketball.

Curious why you think this way. What have you seen from the current eastern conference that makes you think the teams we beat with these guys that will make them better or the teams we didn’t face to be better than this squad?

Well to start with we didn't beat the Pacers. And the Pistons will be better. Orlando probably won't be hit with injuries like this year and they have pick #16. Philly will Maxey, maybe Embid and they have pick #3. Boston is still Boston even if Tatum is iffy for next season. The Bucs still have Giannis. And the Cavs still have a good team and DM.

And we will have the same D and same O and same Coach and be the slowest of the bunch with the worst bench. Last year we were injury free. Will that last thru next season at the rate NBA stars are going down each year?

Getting 51 wins again, let alone to the 2nd round Playoffs, relies on some changes that were not evident in the Pacer series. But maybe...

[KnixinSix]

KAT and Thibs for 2025-26 means we are not likely to ever again reach the ECF. One or both have to go. Yesterday was like the Pacers on ice skates and the Knicks stuck in cement. For a reported D coach, Thibs screwed the pooch. And that's not even getting into the pound 17 seconds for an iso offense. That worked well yesterday, didn't it? If this was baseball, KAT would be the designated hitter. And valuable. But it's basketball.

Curious why you think this way. What have you seen from the current eastern conference that makes you think the teams we beat with these guys that will make them better or the teams we didn’t face to be better than this squad?

Well to start with we didn't beat the Pacers. And the Pistons will be better. Orlando probably won't be hit with injuries like this year and they have pick #16. Philly will Maxey, maybe Embid and they have pick #3. Boston is still Boston even if Tatum is iffy for next season. The Bucs still have Giannis. And the Cavs still have a good team and DM.

And we will have the same D and same O and same Coach and be the slowest of the bunch with the worst bench. Last year we were injury free. Will that last thru next season at the rate NBA stars are going down each year?

Getting 51 wins again, let alone to the 2nd round Playoffs, relies on some changes that were not evident in the Pacer series. But maybe...

This team is easily a top 5 team but this roster construction will get stopped enough offensively and get exposed defensively with a KAT/Brunson tandem as its top 2 vs the top 2 or 3 teams.

That's the take away from this year. KAT has played in the league 10 years... he isn't changing his defensive stripes. Not in Thibs system at least. And in Thibs system having both KAT and Brunson as your top 2 playing major minutes together is a pretty much a proven disaster vs offensively elite teams.

[kNicksGmen]

KAT and Thibs for 2025-26 means we are not likely to ever again reach the ECF. One or both have to go. Yesterday was like the Pacers on ice skates and the Knicks stuck in cement. For a reported D coach, Thibs screwed the pooch. And that's not even getting into the pound 17 seconds for an iso offense. That worked well yesterday, didn't it? If this was baseball, KAT would be the designated hitter. And valuable. But it's basketball.

Curious why you think this way. What have you seen from the current eastern conference that makes you think the teams we beat with these guys that will make them better or the teams we didn’t face to be better than this squad?

Well to start with we didn't beat the Pacers. And the Pistons will be better. Orlando probably won't be hit with injuries like this year and they have pick #16. Philly will Maxey, maybe Embid and they have pick #3. Boston is still Boston even if Tatum is iffy for next season. The Bucs still have Giannis. And the Cavs still have a good team and DM.

And we will have the same D and same O and same Coach and be the slowest of the bunch with the worst bench. Last year we were injury free. Will that last thru next season at the rate NBA stars are going down each year?

Getting 51 wins again, let alone to the 2nd round Playoffs, relies on some changes that were not evident in the Pacer series. But maybe...

Health is a good point. One could argue the team's ceiling is higher going forward with "better chemistry" and some marginal improvements - but can we expect to get so lucky with health in the playoffs next year? Literally everyone was healthy for the playoffs including a prime looking Mitch - and we still weren't good enough. OG played the entire year basically. Kat had minor things but overall was healthy. Brunson seems to have some foot/ankle injury every year but he was healthy against the Pacers.

[MrDollarBills]

KAT for Giannis would be great but I don’t want to give away 21/11 playoff averages for KD. People are quick to dismiss after a bad playoff loss but this team beat Boston who just won a championship last year. We were ahead 3-1 when their best player was healthy so don’t give me the injured excuse.

I agree.

The problem is that Brunson and KAT cannot play together defensively. I don't see either of them magically fixing their lapses.