The New York Knicks’ Potential Aggressive Offseason Moves
The New York Knicks are rumored to be considering some aggressive offseason moves leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft. One potential move is to work out a trade with the Indiana Pacers for either guard Malcolm Brogdon or big man Myles Turner.
Possible Trade for Malcolm Brogdon
The Knicks are in need of a proper point guard if they want to make a return to the postseason. This is why Brogdon has garnered attention in trade rumors. The New York City sports media loves to hype up potential trades, making it difficult to find reliable information amidst all the chatter.
Donovan Mitchell as a Potential Landing Spot
The Knicks could also emerge as a potential landing spot for Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. Mitchell reportedly wants to be traded, and he has expressed an interest in playing for his hometown team, the Knicks.
The Knicks’ Performance in the 2021 Season
The Knicks surprised everyone in the league by securing the 4th seed in the 2021 playoffs. However, following their unexpected success, they had a disappointing season this past year, finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 37-45. As a result, bookies are not giving the Knicks high odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship.
Assessing the Indiana Pacers’ Situation
The Pacers had a challenging season, finishing with a record of 25-57 and ranking 13th out of 15 teams. Fans attribute their struggles to injuries and the constant lineup adjustments made by their first-year head coach, Rick Carlisle. The Pacers reportedly considered tanking but faced difficulties doing so in the Eastern Conference, which had other struggling teams like the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons.
The Draft Prospects and Pacers’ Rebuilding Efforts
The Pacers secured the 6th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Although they missed out on the top five prospects, there are still talented players available. With Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield already on the team, the Pacers have a foundation to build upon. This could be a reason why they might be willing to trade Malcolm Brogdon, who has a hefty salary and might not fit into their long-term plans.
Implosion of the Pacers’ Team
The Pacers decided to make significant changes to their roster prior to the trade deadline in February. They traded Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers and sent All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings. In exchange, they received Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson. These moves signaled a rebuilding phase for the Pacers.
Assessing Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner
Malcolm Brogdon had a solid season with the Pacers, averaging 19.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. However, his three-point shooting percentage dropped to a career-low 31%. On the other hand, Myles Turner played only 42 games due to a foot injury but still averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
The Knicks’ Need for a Point Guard
The Knicks’ previous signings of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier in free agency did not pan out as expected. As a result, the Knicks are still in need of a reliable point guard. They could potentially give Immanuel Quickly a starting role, especially if the Pacers demand too much in return for Brogdon.
Conclusion
The New York Knicks are exploring various trade options to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. The potential trades with the Indiana Pacers for Malcolm Brogdon or Myles Turner could address the Knicks’ need for a proper point guard or add a skilled big man to their lineup. However, the outcome will depend on the negotiations between the two teams.
FAQs
1. Are the Knicks actively looking to make trades this offseason?
Yes, the Knicks are rumored to be considering aggressive moves, including potential trades with the Indiana Pacers.
2. Why do the Knicks need a point guard?
The Knicks have struggled to find a reliable point guard in recent seasons, and having a skilled player in that position is crucial for their success and potential return to the postseason.
3. How did the Pacers perform in the past season?
The Pacers had a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 25-57 and ranking 13th in the Eastern Conference. Injuries and lineup adjustments played a significant role in their struggles.
4. What are the objectives of the Pacers in the upcoming NBA Draft?
The Pacers hold the 6th pick in the draft and aim to add talented young players to their roster, building around the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield.
5. Who are the potential trade targets for the Knicks?
The Knicks have been linked to the Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner as potential trade targets to address their needs at point guard or in the frontcourt.
