The Knicks have hit a rough patch midway through the season, now 2-6 in their last eight games, with a loss. Jalen Brunsonand in danger of falling into the second generation.
With the season in a crucial position, fans and managers may not be satisfied with only making minor improvements at the trade deadline.
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New York’s cap, asset, and talent limitations have left rumors and potential fan results unsettled. Jose Alvarado or Jeremy Sochan.
But if the losses continue and the Knicks lose hope, here are three bold trade ideas they could consider instead…
Knicks get: Cam Thomas
Nets get: Guerschon Yabusele and Tyler Kolek
What the Knicks lack in control they can make up for in pure, unadulterated risk-taking with this move. Thomas’ value appears unlikely to drop after no-bid free agency followed by the Nets acquiring talent in his absence, making him an attractive lopsided trade candidate.
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New York will risk a few reserve bodies, including Kolek, who remains a promising bench guard. This deal comes with a price if Thomas blows up the river.
But if this trade can get Thomas right and buy him from a contender, the Knicks will be getting more than just another reliable ball handler. He is one of the most gifted young players in the league, a three-level threat who can be very dangerous off the bench.
Yes, this trade is like the basketball of your friend throwing you into an unheard of trade for $0.12 that he swears is going to the moon. But the Knicks don’t have more than $0.12 to spend, and they need to get a rocket fast.
Knicks get: Ivica Zubac
Clippers acquired: Mitchell Robinson, Yabusele, 2026 Wizards protected first-round pick, 2032 Knicks first-round pick
If Thomas is a penny stock, Zubac is the real estate development stock your well-off grandfather helped save your money. The Knicks are developing a deep core of talent and credibility despite their turnover.
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Zubac is coming off a breakout year in which he averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 63 percent shooting from the field, made the All-Defensive Second Team, and was an All-Star on offense. He started off slow this year but is back on top. While he is not an offensive Robinson, he brings a lot to the table overall.
Brunson would get his first real swing threat since Isaiah Hartensteinsomeone who knows how to check hard, dive, and learn to defend himself to learn what’s right. His low scoring is a big threat, too, and offensive options are rarely on the table when Robinson plays.
The price may look steep, but the market appears to be hot for Zubac’s services and the Clippers have little incentive to move him unless they receive a good return. Even this package may not be enough, but if Los Angeles is willing to hear it, New York should consider a move like this.
Knicks get: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Grizzlies get: Josh Hart, Robinson, Pacome Dadiet, 2026 Wizards protected first-round pick, 2030 Knicks swap first round, 2032 Knicks first-round pick, up to five second-round picks
There is a short for a Giannis Antetokounmpo exchange, but in the same way of the last push all to make the Finals. This would completely eliminate a lot of New York’s possessions, but give them an All-Star that solves a few of their problems at once.
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That will require Jackson to return to his former glory, as this season has not been great for him. If he can land a Defensive Player of the Year winner in 2022-23, or average 22 points on 38 percent shooting from three last season, the Knicks could make some real noise with him.
Losing Hart, a key piece of the team’s identity and best friend of the team’s best player, will not be an easy pill to swallow. But he has his flaws — size and the way defenses handle him behind the arc. The same goes for Robinson, who is limited offensively and can’t make free throws.
Jackson isn’t perfect, but he could be an improvement on the four defense, make up for New York’s lack of size, spread the floor a bit, and drop to the five at times if needed. He also happens to be a former customer Leon Rosewhich makes him a more logical victim than one might think.
The price is worth it, especially with the return Memphis has received Desmond Bane. But if the Knicks feel their backs are against the wall, and this is a trade available to them, why wouldn’t they at least consider it?
