Key Takeaways:
– The New York Knicks could potentially swap Mitchell Robinson for the Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso.
– If the Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein resigns, this move could put Robinson’s future at Knicks into uncertainty.
– Any player, except Jalen Brunson, could be available for the perfect trade deal, according to reports.
– The Knicks may need enhanced ball-handling and playmaking skills, possibly targeting more free agents such as Tyus Jones.
Possible NBA Trade: Knicks and Bulls
The off-season may bring about some significant changes for the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson. Should Isaiah Hartenstein, the current starter, become a free agent, it might shake up Robinson’s position in the team. Indeed, a possible scenario could see Robinson being traded to the Chicago Bulls, with the Knicks gaining Alex Caruso in return.
Alex Caruso, a 2020 champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, could be a beneficial addition to the Knicks. This season, the seventh-year guard has averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game. This trade would allow the Bulls to keep their core roster while also improving their defensive strategy.
Mitchell Robinson’s Future
For Robinson, moving to the Bulls could offer an opportunity to compete for the starting job against veteran Nikola Vucevic. Despite his strong performance, a 50-game absence due to a left ankle injury took him out of the Knicks’ starting lineup this season. His replacement, Hartenstein, demonstrated an impressive two-way threat and better fit for the Knicks’ offense.
If a straight player-for-player exchange doesn’t cut it, the Knicks could potentially throw in one of the two first-round picks they have in the 2024 NBA Draft. These 24th and 25th selections could serve as enticing sweeteners to solidify the deal with the Bulls.
Open Trading Options
The Knicks’ fans shouldn’t be too upset about Robinson’s potential departure. Reporter Ian Begley of SNY has noted that any player, except Jalen Brunson, might be available for trade. This comes in light of recent discussions surrounding a potential trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, wherein the Knicks have expressed willingness to make significant moves if the conditions are right.
In Need of More Ball-Control and Playmaking
As far as bench upgrades are considered, the Knicks ought to prioritize securing a backup point guard. The absence of Immanuel Quickley was noticeable, and while Miles McBride successfully filled in for Brunson this season, additional playmaking abilities are needed.
According to recent statistics, the Knicks were outscored by 5.4 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs without Brunson. This suggests that a strategy focusing on improved ball-handling is crucial.
Several potential free agents, including Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Tyus Jones, could help fulfill this need. Jones seems the best fit, given his excellent career record of 2,593 assists to 466 turnovers. He recently played a career-best season with the Washington Wizards and is anticipated to sign a significant deal.
The potential for the Knicks to sign Jones in particular is uncertain, particularly as they are mostly reliant on the non-taxpayer’s midlevel exception, which amounted to $12.4 million for the 2023-2024 season. The amount for the 2024-2025 season is yet to be determined. All these factors, combined with the off-season, present an interesting landscape of potentials for the team’s future.