Who will dare to put on the costume of the superhero in Gotham City? The New York Knicks have been looking for a savior for several years. With, at each offseason, the hope of finding a big fish. But the franchise ” is no longer in fashion In the words of Kevin Durant, which was eagerly awaited by supporters of Madison Square Garden before heading to the rival in Brooklyn.
To find the trace of an All-Star who signs for the Knicks, you have to go back to … Amar’e Stoudemire, in 2010. Ten years ago! A few months later, Carmelo Anthony had forced his transfer to the big apple. But since then, nothing.
The mythical organization is constantly in reconstruction. This is still the case since the appointment of a new President, Leon Rose, then a new coach, Tom Thibodeau, over the past few months. The Knicks will once again try to move forward.
To mark the occasion, they would therefore like to get a star to guide them. According to New York Post, five names appear in the small papers of the leaders, even if the latter would be aware that these players will not necessarily be available.
Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers)
Maybe the next All-Star to change his uniform. Still considered the new “franchise player” of the Indiana Pacers two years ago, Victor Oladipo is no longer really on the same wavelength as its leaders. His two injuries, and the long periods of rehabilitation that followed, made him lose his explosiveness. The 28-year-old full-back is still chasing his level of play from 2017. But the Pacers don’t seem determined to wait, as his contract expires in 2021. Malcolm Brogdon in particular took its place, brilliantly.
Oladipo would therefore be open to a transfer, even if he has since denied this information. The Pacers would also seek to part with it, in the event of an interesting offer of course. The Knicks have a common liability with the player since Scott Perry, the GM, is the one who drafted him in second position in 2013. So under the label of Magic.
Not sure “Deepo” can really make a difference for the Knicks. NY Post discusses possible package including draft rounds, Julius Randle and Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr. Maybe not a good idea …
Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder)
The Knicks’ interest in Chris Paul is not new. Rose, the President, was the agent of PC3. Her favorite client. Especially with the imminent reconstruction of the Thunder – Billy Donovan was not retained at the end of the playoffs despite a very good season – many analysts imagine the leaders to separate from the veteran leader and his massive contract.
This is perhaps the biggest question for the New York team: is it worth it to sacrifice assets for an aging star who could block Cape Town until 2022 (or 2021 if Paul doesn’t not activate his option on his last season at $ 44 million)? There is matter for debate. The future Hall Of Famer has proven this year that he can still run a franchise. And even to ensure a role of mentor for the youngest, while pulling the group upwards. He would be a very valuable leader for the group. Especially since its mere presence can possibly help one or two good experienced players to join the adventure.
Despite Paul’s talent, the Thunder might not ask for too much consideration. A draft round – it seems certain – and maybe a youngster like Smith Jr, Ntilikina and / or Kevin Knox.
Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony, a possible Knicks reunion?
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia Sixers)
There, it’s more of a fantasy than a dream. Because the Philadelphia Sixers sure won’t transfer Joel Embiid (not this season anyway that’s for sure). But the Cameroonian is also a former client of Leon Rose. And repeated failures in the playoffs could end up frustrating him. Especially since the 76rs still have no guarantee on the complementarity of the duo formed by the interior All-Star and his Australian comrade Ben Simmons.
Doc Rivers will have the daunting task of bringing the two together in Philly while leading the team beyond the second round. The Sixers are not going to refurbish their best player without having tried in vain to win with this tandem. But the Knicks are therefore keeping an eye on the case. They have seven choices to come in the next four drafts. As well as some promising young players to soften the pill, should Embiid ever ask for his trade.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons together, “it works” for Doc Rivers
Paul George (Los Angeles Clippers)
The Knicks had better not read too much of what is posted on social media. It’s hard to imagine the Clippers zapping Paul George, despite its very disappointing playoffs. The Los Angeles franchise will set off again to conquer the title next season. And she needs stars, not draft rounds or potential youngsters. Even if she separated from all her picks just to bring in PG.
However, we understand the interest in the All-Star winger. Sometimes in the NBA, it can go very quickly. George’s teammates would be particularly annoyed by his attitude. So we might as well remain vigilant and listen to what is happening on the market. Because once again, the Knicks have a war chest – that’s new by the way – to allow themselves to place themselves on any auction. And PG remains an excellent player, in the best period of his career, capable of impacting the game on both sides of the field.
On the other hand, we really do not believe in his chances of leaving the Clippers in the coming months.
Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have ceded Andrew Wiggins to bring in D’Angelo Russell, one of the best friends of Karl-Anthony Towns, last February. The franchise is clearly relying on its duo of young stars to get back on its feet. And therefore no question of transferring KAT anywhere.
The Knicks certainly know that. But above all, they dream of a local product – the interior is from New Jersey – which has also … been represented by Rose. We understand that it makes you want. A young player. Able to bring in 28 points and 10 rebounds every night. From the neighborhood. The perfect star to relaunch the organization.
But with Thibodeau on the bench? Hard. Towns didn’t seem to get on well with the coach when the latter officiated in Minnesota. Even though the sources of New York Post explain that the problems existed mainly with Jimmy Butler. Finally, well, KAT in New York, that too remains a great fantasy more than a real possibility. But after all, as Alicia Keys sang “New Yooooooork / Concrete jungle where dreams are made of / There’s nothing you can’t do …”
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