Trades and Transactions Thread - 2025 Cont'd

[Capn'O]

Is zion the most disappointing heralded prospect ever ? He was supposed to be a face of the league.

It's between him and Oden, isn't it? I'd go Zion because he did it to himself.

I suppose there's Len Bias too but I wasn't old enough to have any conception of him. From what I gathered he was a big prospect but not at the level of Zion or Oden. I mean, he went behind Brad Daugherty in the draft.

[KnixinSix]

I'm not denying that KD's post up ISO ability fits thibs and he isn't as much of a dummy on defense...but its a stretch for him to even play 60 games anymore. And I know the value of Mitch but now you are making him the full time center with +30 minutes needed a night.

Me being a financial model type guy in more profession. There are way too many risks to outweigh the positives IMO.

Like age, contract, durability. All favor KAT.

I'm not making trades because it fits what Thibs lazy offensive scheme would do better in. I would rather get a guy that can utilize our talent better then make a trade because this is something that fits a flawed coach more.

Now if you put me in a situation where you ask me game 6 or game 7 who do I trust me to win me that game more, KD or KAT? It would be KD but there is way more nuance to it than that.

KD's health and Mitch's health now that you are bringing him back as a full time +30 minue a night starter...nearly breaks all my thoughts on how this could go really really bad.

Like the best best case scenario you are saying I sort of agree with.

But the worst worst case scenarios are way worse jumping on this type of move. You could legit by locking in the NETS have 3 super valuable 1st rounders...at the slight chance we are slightly better next year with KD over KAT (and that is still an iffy for me).

You would have to get another big here too. Can you get a horford for the mle or do you need to trade Josh to get one.

Horford looked cooked. I also just don't see the Knicks moving Hart with Jalen still here...as much as we love Jalen and him taking a discount...I think some things come with that in terms of what we have to live with. Hart was great this year during the regular season. Its just what we have to live with.

What is Minny offering for KD? They can't S&T Randle for him. Is it Gobert and Donte with some more matching salary?

If that is the case I would rather just jump on that move.

Gobert, Donte and something else to us, KAT to PHX, and KD to Minny.

Just double down on defense and basically build a better version of the sixers teams with AI. OG and Mikal I don't think loved there #3 or #4 options on offense...so this would give them more offensive responsibility and bring back Donte's shooting.

Gobert defense continues to be massive impact (his NET rating in the playoffs was off the charts). We would have a monster center rotation with him and Mitch which would be Thibs dream.

Brunson
DD
Mikal
OG
Gobert

Deuce
Hart
Mitch

and then whatever else you get in the trade via matching salary or maybe a draft pick. That would be the ultimate...let brunson do his thing and build a supporting case that plays off him as best as possible if you ask me.

Not sexy but this would be a better version of the IHart/Mitch pairing. And Divo here was an absolute mad bomber from 3 with better range than anyone on the team.

This would be a Thibs wet dream of a lineup. As you mentioned, Bridges would move one rung up with offensive responsibility too.

[DaGawd]

imagine we drafted zion like we should’ve been able to/wanted and his crash out happened all in real time in nyc.. i’m grateful

[8516knicks]

Is zion the most disappointing heralded prospect ever ? He was supposed to be a face of the league.

It's between him and Oden, isn't it? I'd go Zion because he did it to himself.

I suppose there's Len Bias too but I wasn't old enough to have any conception of him. From what I gathered he was a big prospect but not at the level of Zion or Oden. I mean, he went behind Brad Daugherty in the draft.

Bias went #2 and would have joined the Celtics front line of Bird, McHale and Parrish. I think he was supposed to be a better prospect than either Zion or certainly Oden out of college. Out of H.S. the other two were probably much higher regarded. He was 6'9" and could score, rebound and play D. And played in the ACC, which at the time was THE conference, like the SEC in football now. Wasn't Oden looked on as a very poor man's Ewing? And Zion as a lazy Barkley?

[Buttah304]

I think he’s actually good. Not great. You’re not gonna put him on people to shut them down. But I think he’s above average. If you asked suns fans I would bet they agree.

It’s not an easy decision because of his age. But like I said, the time is now. You can’t assume we’re gonna be contenders 3 years from just because we stood still.

Maybe some other option will appear that makes sense. But right now I’m not sure who else is gonna become available.

I would need something else back from PHX though if we were to do it. They are getting the get out of jail free card by getting the younger, more durable, more controllable player for a player they want to trade.

PHX isn't dictating these terms.

Also metrically it says KAT was a better defender than KD last year. Again metrics aren't everything but the move based on Offensive and Defensive LEBRON says we would lose about 2 wins with this move.

A win or 2 is kind of meaningless with these metrics which are imperfect to begin with.

And you’re acting like there’s no market for Kd while there clearly will be.

Do the suns even have anything much to give ? It all went in the Durant trade.

I hate that KD is so old but he slides into KATs role perfectly. Durant this year got 63 touches per game to KATs 60 and believe it or not their post-up volume was shockingly close. The key difference between the two being time of possession and dribbles per touch. When you think of all those times the Knicks could never make an entry pass to KAT while consistently asking him to create from 23+ feet out…that’s sort of KDs world even at his age. When you factor in his playmaking the fit would be seamless. Again…the issue is he’s 37 but I’m with you. Get me a championship tomorrow I can’t be worrying about whether Orlando finally acquires an elite guard in three years. We need to get to the finals next year period. Losing to Siakam is ridiculous to me.

[Capn'O]

imagine we drafted zion like we should’ve been able to/wanted and his crash out happened all in real time in nyc.. i’m grateful

Very grateful we drafted OG Anunoby instead.

[MrDollarBills]

Is zion the most disappointing heralded prospect ever ? He was supposed to be a face of the league.

It's between him and Oden, isn't it? I'd go Zion because he did it to himself.

I suppose there's Len Bias too but I wasn't old enough to have any conception of him. From what I gathered he was a big prospect but not at the level of Zion or Oden. I mean, he went behind Brad Daugherty in the draft.

Len died when I was really young so I dunno, but from what the old heads told me growing up he was nasty. It's crazy how Boston had two guys who were really high ceiling talents die within 6 years of each other. Reggie Lewis was really good.

I can't compare Oden to Zion. Greg just had bad genetics that led to his health issues, he was gonna be a beast had that not happened.

Zion is 100% self inflicted. I just hope that what he's being accused of now isn't true because that would be super disappointing.

[Capn'O]

Wasn't Oden looked on as a very poor man's Ewing? And Zion as a lazy Barkley?

Zion was looked at as a combination of Barkley and Shaq and not for their laziness He was an incredible prospect.

Oden's offense was maybe poor man's Ewing but his defensive potential was viewed as historic. I think his offensive game would have been decent. He had huge mitts. He even showed it in the NBA but his body broke. Durant had a historic season himself and was viewed as the consolation prize. I watched the championship game against Horford and Noah and he manhandled them like children, even though OSU lost.

[Red Vines]

Nick Young on Gil's Arena said Giannis just bought a $10 million dollar house in NY...fwiw.

[thebuzzardman]

The Knicks front office isn't averse to making big splashy moves, and other teams haven't shied away from big moves after a successful yet not championship quality season. I'm intrigued by the potential big splashy moves (someone mentioned Bam and now I can't get him out of my head).

However, there's a smaller but important question towards the bottom of the roster - the roles of Kolek, Dadiet and Hukporti next year. They make a combined $7mm, which in relative terms compared to the overall Knick payroll is less than 4%. However, $7mm is a meaningful number on the margins, when you consider the veteran's minimum is going to be around $3mm, Deuce makes $4.3mm, and Precious makes $6mm.

Out of the three, the only one that has a relatively clear path to playing time is Hukporti. How likely do you guys think Kolek and Dadiet will have a role next season, or are they destined to be salary filler in a trade?

I'll answer:

Kolek can't guard a traffic cone, so he's a 3rd string PG for now

Dadiet- has the body and athleticism and 3 point shot to maybe compete for a spot, but he'll be 19 and if Thibs is coach, probably riding the pine

Huk - absolutely qualified to be a 3rd string center; might be able to challenge for the backup C spot, important regarding Mitch/trades etc.

*McCullars - might be able to earn some playing time. Probably not.

[thebuzzardman]

Nick Young on Gil's Arena said Giannis just bought a $10 million dollar house in NY...fwiw.

Is it in Brooklyn? Because that's where he'll be playing.

[RHODEY]

Gut feeling, the trade that happens is Mikal for JJJ.

Does it make the Knicks better? No.

I guess the follow on trade would be for Divo, however that happens.

It's not what I want, it's what I think this FO wants.

KAT
JJJ
OG
Divo
Brunson

Hart
Mitch
Whatever etc


Starting lineup still has defensive issues in the backcourt. But I think they like the taller KAT/Someone who can play defense thing in the frontcourt.

Are you being serious? How JJJ for Bridges is approaching a steal. No knockt on Bridges. But JJJ is the best player on Memphis. His 3 pointer improved drastically and we already know he's an elite very athletic defender and still very young. Does it make us better? Hell F@cking yeah does. But why would Memphis trade JJJ to us?

[thebuzzardman]

imagine we drafted zion like we should’ve been able to/wanted and his crash out happened all in real time in nyc.. i’m grateful

Zion would have spent all his $ on Junior's Cheesecake and high priced escorts.

He'd have turned into a 400lb Herpes Simplex Virus in NYC.

[thebuzzardman]

Gut feeling, the trade that happens is Mikal for JJJ.

Does it make the Knicks better? No.

I guess the follow on trade would be for Divo, however that happens.

It's not what I want, it's what I think this FO wants.

KAT
JJJ
OG
Divo
Brunson

Hart
Mitch
Whatever etc


Starting lineup still has defensive issues in the backcourt. But I think they like the taller KAT/Someone who can play defense thing in the frontcourt.

Are you being serious? How JJJ for Bridges is approaching a steal. No knockt on Bridges. But JJJ is the best player on Memphis. His 3 pointer improved drastically and we already know he's an elite very athletic defender and still very young. Does it make us better? Hell F@cking yeah does. But why would Memphis trade JJJ to us?

I think there is fire to the smoke rumor. Maybe it's KAT for JJJ and an expanded trade.

Knicks need to move on from one of KAT or Mikal. Hart sent packing or to the bench would be nice too.

[DaGawd]

Nick Young on Gil's Arena said Giannis just bought a $10 million dollar house in NY...fwiw.

Is it in Brooklyn? Because that's where he'll be playing.

everybody wants to play with cam thomas and nic claxton

[MrDollarBills]

Wasn't Oden looked on as a very poor man's Ewing? And Zion as a lazy Barkley?

Zion was looked at as a combination of Barkley and Shaq and not for their laziness He was an incredible prospect.

Oden's offense was maybe poor man's Ewing but his defensive potential was viewed as historic. I think his offensive game would have been decent. He had huge mitts. He even showed it in the NBA but his body broke. Durant had a historic season himself and was viewed as the consolation prize. I watched the championship game against Horford and Noah and he manhandled them like children, even though OSU lost.

Yep Oden was an absolute unit of a human being.

That being said, even back at that time I said the Blazers were crazy not to take Durant.

[thebuzzardman]

Nick Young on Gil's Arena said Giannis just bought a $10 million dollar house in NY...fwiw.

Is it in Brooklyn? Because that's where he'll be playing.

everybody wants to play with cam thomas and nic claxton

Giannis won his ring. Now it's about cashing in on stardom and setting up his life post basketball.
Giannis could give a sh*t about playing for the Knicks.
He wants NYC, not the NY Knicks.

Plus, Knicks have f*ck all to offer.
Why would the Bucks want KAT?
To pair with Dame? Lolz.

Nets are going to land the "name" so they can have some corny "Giannis vs KAT" thing to try and draw some fans, while Bucks collect like 5 picks from the Nets.

[Polk377]

Knicks trade- KAT
Pelicans trade- Murphy, Alvarado, Olynyk, 2026 1st

Knicks After
Brunson/Alvarado/Kolek
Bridges/Mcbride/ McCullar
Anunoby/Hart
Murphy/Dadiet
Robinson/Olynyk/Hakporti

They put 3 and D wings all around JB and Mitch back in the starting spot to navigate the pick and rolls. Its not the star power that KAT has but it will be a more functional team with Murphy coming into his own as a budding star. Also huge financially as it puts them at about $9 mil under the 1st apron to make some moves in free agency.

[thebuzzardman]

Knicks trade- KAT
Pelicans trade- Murphy, Alvarado, Olynyk, 2026 1st

Knicks After
Brunson/Alvarado/Kolek
Bridges/Mcbride/ McCullar
Anunoby/Hart
Murphy/Dadiet
Robinson/Olynyk/Hakporti

They put 3 and D wings all around JB and Mitch back in the starting spot to navigate the pick and rolls. Its not the star power that KAT has but it will be a more functional team with Murphy coming into his own as a budding star. Also huge financially as it puts them at about $9 mil under the 1st apron to make some moves in free agency.

In a heartbeat.

[Polk377]

Knicks trade- KAT
Pelicans trade- Murphy, Alvarado, Olynyk, 2026 1st

Knicks After
Brunson/Alvarado/Kolek
Bridges/Mcbride/ McCullar
Anunoby/Hart
Murphy/Dadiet
Robinson/Olynyk/Hakporti

They put 3 and D wings all around JB and Mitch back in the starting spot to navigate the pick and rolls. Its not the star power that KAT has but it will be a more functional team with Murphy coming into his own as a budding star. Also huge financially as it puts them at about $9 mil under the 1st apron to make some moves in free agency.

In a heartbeat.

My guy