The New York Knicks have one of the most clear starting lineups in the NBA, but they may need to trade one of those key players to enhance their depth.
Between Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, there is one of the NBA’s most specific starting lineups.
Over the past few seasons, their lack of depth has been the main criticism surrounding the construction of their roster, but New York added Jordan Clarkson and Gerson Jabsere this summer. Adding Miles McBride and healthy Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could easily become the best team in the East.
However, after signing a four-year, $150 million contract extension, Bridge could move, and the Knicks might trade him before the deadline to have the league’s most balanced roster.
The Knicks gave up five first round picks to hook the bridge from the Brooklyn Nets last summer and after investing their future in swingman, it wasn’t the best look to trade for much less than he got.
That said, the east is wide open and if you believe New York can bolster the roster by turning him over, the opportunity to capitalize is now.
“As far as roster flexibility is concerned, Mikal Bridge signed when he signed this extension means he can trade before the transaction deadline,” explained Tim Bontemps. “He comes up a few days before the February trading deadline. I’m not saying it’s going to be traded in February, but it’s worth pointing out when talking about the moves the Knicks can make. That’s important.”
Putting pressure to show that his investment in the bridge has paid off, the Knicks won’t turn him over unless there is a massive haul.
Plus, their suitors are rare and far away. The Knicks will not trade one of their best players for Eastern Conference rivals, not to meet him in the opening round of the playoffs. And most Western Conferences already have solid rosters in place, so options are limited.
However, the Knicks can send the bridge to a team guarded to swim, where he will fit in the swimming.
Under manager Chauncy Billup, the Portland Trail Blazers are quietly one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, with all on the roster, along with youngsters Shadon Sharp, Donovan Klingan and Jan Hansen.
Both Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant fit the bill, but Grant is aging and Avdija’s success last year may be based on the situation in Portland, not his actual talent.
By adding a bridge to the younger core over the long term, the Blazers welcome the most trusted player in the NBA.
Complete mock trade details:
- The Knicks receive: Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, 2028 Firstround Pick (ORL), 2028 FirstRound Pick (MIL SWAP Rights), 2030 FirstRound Pick (MIL SWAP Rights), 2032 FirstRound Pick (Topten Protected)
- Trail Blazer has received: Mikal Bridge
The Knicks regain a whopping four first round picks. Certainly, the choice courtesy of the Orlando Magic and the 2032 selection may not be worth much, but the two swaps with the Bucks are some of the most valuable assets in the NBA. By 2030, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be 35 years old and there is no guarantee that he will stay in Milwaukee for a long time anyway.
Henderson, meanwhile, forms an athletic young backcourt with McBride, allowing Clarkson to play a bit off-ball. Thybulle’s health is questionable, but when he plays, he is one of the best on-ball defenders in the entire NBA, and the type of player that Mike Brown can use in the playoffs.
The deal is a small overpayment for the Blazers, but the Knicks are expected to drive hard bargains and will only realistically entertain the deal if they get off to a slow, disappointing start to the season.