New York, New York

In 2021, NBA fans were super excited to see the New York Knicks back in the playoffs.

Everyone thought it might be New York’s year, led by the star duo of Derrick Rose and Julius Randle. Little did they know what the Atlanta Hawks had hiding up their sleeve and, after losing in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA world was stunned. 

During the offseason, New York made some notable moves. In addition to drafting a pair of rookie guards in Quentin Grimes and Deuce McBride, the team re-signed Rose and Alec Burks and added Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker in the free agency period. However, these moves did them little to no good.

After the 2020-21 season saw them end a seven-year playoff drought, the Knicks took a step back this past season. New York finished the 2021-22 regular season eight games below .500 (37-45) and 11th in the Eastern Conference. 

Before the season, there was a lot of optimism surrounding the potential fit of Walker as the answer at the point guard position for the Knicks. However, all hope quickly unraveled and he was benched. Meanwhile, the defensive execution of the team slipped as a whole.

So how does this team go from being a four-seed in the 2021 NBA playoffs to completely missing the playoffs in 2022? Did the Eastern Conference get better or did the Knicks get worse?  

For starters, Randle’s play regressed in his third season with New York. In the 2020-21 season, Randle balled out and averaged a double-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists per game. Randle also played in 71 of 72 possible games for New York.

Unfortunately, Randle’s numbers dropped across the board this past season (20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game) and he missed ten games due to injury. Despite his decline in play, some still think Randle is an All-Star, while others think he is a bust. 

Before the season, Randle received a four-year, $117,089,280 contract extension with the Knicks, including $106,444,800 guaranteed. Randle’s decline in play makes you wonder, was he only playing for a payday? 

The Knicks’ struggles this past season can also be attributed to injuries. Rose was hurt a lot this year and missed 56 games with an ankle injury. Fourth-year center Mitchell Robinson was also banged up throughout the season, although he still managed to appear in 72 contests.

However, even when Robinson was healthy, he did not play to his usual standard. He finished the season with averages of 8.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. 

Behind Robinson, New York only had second-year player Obi Toppin, who had a decent year but was not good enough to carry an injury-plagued team. The injury bug didn’t stop there as third-year forward RJ Barrett missed 12 games due to illness and an ankle injury. Veterans Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson were also hurt at points throughout the season. 

What do you think the Knicks could do in the offseason to improve? 

Personally, I do not think they can make the playoffs with their current roster. New York could use some assistance and veteran leadership behind Randle, as well as some point guard depth behind Walker and Rose.

They are in the rebuilding stage. I think some depth would be beneficial and they need another star besides Rose and Randle. 

There has been some chatter amongst fans of a possible trade between the Knicks and the Phoenix Suns. Randle is a player who could possibly be moved this offseason, as he has likely outstayed his welcome in New York, but his recent contract extension could complicate any potential deals.

One fan suggested that New York should try to trade Julius Randle in a package for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.

Another post suggested that they trade for Indiana Pacers star Malcolm Brogdon, stating that “Brogdon has been one of the most reliable guards in the league. He’s always been an efficient scorer, an underappreciated playmaker, and a solid defender. Brogdon would help the Knicks make a playoff push with his veteran experience”. 

I like Brogdon and think he would make a lot of sense for the Knicks. He is a smooth playmaker and could take some pressure off of Randle and Rose and would be a better addition than anyone the Knicks could draft with the No. 46 selection.  

Another possible option could be to trade for Chicago Bulls point guard Coby White. In New York, White could get the minutes he needs to thrive.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t love playing youngsters, but he might be forced to considering White would be his only true option at point guard. I think this is another good trade for New York. White could add some depth and potentially be their franchise point guard. 

The fourth mock trade proposal I have heard is for the Knicks to trade for Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier. 

In New York, Rozier would take over as the full-time starting point guard. He’s not a great distributor, but he’s a great shot creator and shot-maker, which are two big-time areas of need for the Knicks. 

The Knicks would be giving up quite a bit to make this happen. In the deal, they would send Robinson, Walker, Cam Reddish, and the No. 11 overall selection in the draft to Charlotte in exchange for Rozier.

Now, I think this trade is a little crazy. Walker and Robinson are expendable, but when you add the first-round draft pick and Cam Reddish, you’re just throwing out the trash. 

I feel it is completely unnecessary to trade two young potential stars, a veteran, and a first-round draft pick for one veteran.

Do you think Terry Rozier holds that much value? I don’t. 

The fifth mock trade proposal involves the Houston Rockets. In this trade, the Knicks would trade for veterans Christian Wood and Eric Gordon. I think this would be a smart trade for New York because would add win-now talents to the roster. 

My last potential trade scenario would involve the Knicks trading for Jazz star guard Donovan Mitchell.

I would love it if Mitchell came to New York. Mitchell, a two-time All-Star, has reached the Western Conference playoffs in each of his five seasons and impresses with his playmaking and shooting abilities. New York could use a star like Mitchell to help achieve a deep postseason run. 

I do not know what is in store for New York this offseason, but I would recommend going out and looking for a blockbuster deal, either giving away Julius Randle or bringing another star to relieve some pressure from Randle. With the NBA draft coming up on June 23 in Brooklyn, the Knicks will be looking to add to a playoff-hopeful roster.