Roy T wrote:BigTex wrote:Seems like an awfully light return for the T-Wolves.
I was a bit shocked its only one first rounder. Pretty weird trade, especially if Randle walks after this Season.
The Wolves got salary relief, Randle being up after this year and Kat being max or close to it for the next 3 or 4 years. They can flip Randle at the deadline (I think - not sure the timing) or resign him or sign and trade/let him walk. Randle isn't KAT, but he's a good player so he can help them compete this year too.
DDV is a 3-point shooter they coveted, and the pick is what it is, a throw in. It might turn into a 2nd rounder, or, maybe Detroit wins some in 2026 and it turns into a 10-16 pick, give or take.
But mostly I think they did it to cut salary and keep the core that they could with a couple players they plan to resign next year.
Knicks reasons for doing the trade were obvious. They think they have a better shot at winning a title with KAT than with Randle & DDV.
The return is light but the salary relief Mini wanted is a big part of that.
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As a Knicks fan, I'm more of a wait and see than a "yeah we got a star". We already got the 2nd offensive option with Bridges in that trade a few months earlier. Now Kat is the 2nd option and Bridges the 3rd . . . or something. We lose some toughness and grit. Randle was a physical player, and Kat's big, but he's less physical. Granted he brings an offensive arsenal that Randle thought he had, but really didn't.
Knicks have a new roster, we have to see how it gels. On paper it's interesting.
C: Kat/Mitch (when he returns)
PF: will Precious start? Will they slide OGA up to PF
SF: OGA
SG: Bridges
PG: Brunson
Bench, Josh Hart, McBride, a couple of PGs. Sims. Morris probably makes the team now. They could use another big for depth, especially without Mitch for a few months.
I don't know, but there's a lot of talent there. It'll be a fun team to watch.