Reacting to ESPN’s New York Knicks Trade Idea
By James Ryder
This past week, ESPN released an article titled, “2022 NBA trade deadline: What to watch and potential deals for all 30 teams.”
As the name infers, each NBA franchise, including the New York Knicks, was given a trade suggestion by author Bobby Marks.
These types of articles made by national sports media are always bound to have scenarios that are imperfect, to say the least.
Should the NY Knicks have considered ESPN’s trade idea?
In my opinion, the ball was dropped on the deal recommended for the Knicks.
(Editor’s Note – This article was written before today’s Cam Reddish trade involving Kevin Knox)
I found it ironic that the first thing that was said in the Knicks portion was that they “need to continue to take a long-term approach with this roster.”
I don’t think trading Robinson seemingly for the sake of it because he is about to hit free agency makes sense when Robinson is clearly an impact player and is just 23 years old.
Anyway, I’ll admit that at first glance this trade is kind of understandable.
I don’t see a scenario in which the Knicks can get a first-round pick in return for Kevin Knox so that’s a plus.
Knox is very likely on his way out by the trade deadline unless the team plans on getting nothing of value for him before he hits restricted free agency.
Derrick Favors is a quality option at center.
He is a stout defender and rebounder, like Robinson, with the added bonus of being a pretty decent post scorer.
Favors even stretches the floor bit. There is an argument to be made Favors is an upgrade at center.
Robinson will be a free agent this summer, so New York offloading him means they aren’t keen on resigning him.
They would get an immediate replacement in Favors who would be presumably cheaper.
Robinson is likely to demand a contract in the range of 4 years/$18-20 million per year, which would make him roughly tied for the 10th highest-paid center annually.
Favors is making about $9.7 million annually until 2023.
Despite these potential positives, there are still a few reasons why I think this trade wouldn’t be the right route to take for New York.