Key Takeaways:
– The New York Knicks might trade center Mitchell Robinson to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for various draft picks and Luke Kennard.
– A significant contract for Isaiah Hartenstein could see him become the Knicks’ future center if Robinson is traded, despite existing limitations on what the Knicks can offer.
– The Knicks also appear willing to manoeuvre their future draft picks to acquire star players.
Trade Propositions for the Knicks
The New York Knicks, presently enjoying their offseason, are confronted with some pressing questions regarding their future center. One such question revolves around Isaiah Hartenstein and whether he might serve as a suitable replacement for the possibly outgoing Mitchell Robinson. Sports commentator Zach Buckley recently proposed a tantalizing exchange: the Knicks could send Robinson to the Memphis Grizzlies, while receiving Luke Kennard and the No. 9 pick from the Grizzlies.
If the trade proposition transpires, Knicks would acquire Kennard, the No. 9 draft pick for 2024, a second-round pick in 2026 (via LAC) and another in 2027 (via ATL). The Grizzlies would receive Robinson in return. Buckley’s proposal aligns with the Knicks’ current plans, as illustrated by their willingness to pay up to $72.5 million to secure Hartenstein. This move would evidently signal the team’s intention to retain Hartenstein in the starting lineup, which in turn might see Robinson’s sizable $14.3 million salary become an unpalatable allocation for a backup player.
Possible Outcomes of Robinson’s Trade
The impending move, though potentially jarring for the Knicks, could prove beneficial for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, currently facing a void in their center rotation due to Steven Adams’s departure, may relish the prospect of reestablishing their supremacy on the offensive glass. In perfect health, Robinson, who has consistently bagged an average of 5.4 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes of his career, could definitively resurrect that dominance.
Prospects for Hartenstein
The Knicks, meanwhile, can exploit Hartenstein’s Early Bird Rights, granting them the capacity to offer him a four-year contract worth $72.5 million. While the Early Bird Rights are typically advantageous, sportswriter Jake Fischer believes Hartenstein may command a sum topping $100 million. Some league executives and cap strategists estimate that a team desiring to snag Hartenstein from Madison Square Garden could pay as much as $80-100 million. The offer would imply that the Knicks see Hartenstein as their long-term center. Alternatively, Robinson would remain, unless the Knicks manage to draft or trade for a different center.
The Significance of the No. 9 Pick
The Knicks, currently armed with their own draft picks and rights to three additional first-rounders, could make significant strides with their acquisition of the No. 9 pick in the Grizzlies trade. This pick enhances the Knicks’ capacity to trade Robinson for star players during the offseason. If the Knicks manage to clinch the No. 9 pick, and Kennard, they’ll strengthen their negotiating position.
The Knicks’ Trade Plans
As things stand, the Knicks are open to dealing their future picks in the 2024 and 2025 NBA draft, aiming to bolster their roster. The identity of their potential recruit remains a mystery, but one thing is clear – the Knicks’ abundant assets bring them a step closer to unveiling the next big star.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, the Knicks are adopting a strategic approach to their future, seeking novel opportunities to enhance their roster and leverage their assets. The potential Robinson trade may herald the dawn of a new era with Hartenstein center stage. But for now, everything hangs in the balance as fans and spectators await the Knicks’ next move with bated breath.