The New York Knicks made some savvy moves during the NBA draft, and it's time to give them a nod for stockpiling additional second-round picks. This strategic maneuvering could prove invaluable, especially if they need to find a backup plan for Mitchell Robinson.
Now, let's get one thing straight: nobody's suggesting the Knicks should let Robinson slip away. He's a valuable asset, and if his price tag is reasonable, the team should consider stretching their budget to keep him in New York.
However, whispers from the top suggest that owner James Dolan might have a different vision. If that's the case, the Knicks will need to find a new player to fill Robinson's shoes, and their newfound wealth of second-round picks could be the key.
Exploring Trade Options Beyond Free Agency
While many are quick to point out potential free-agent replacements for Robinson, it's crucial not to overlook the trade market. Sure, staying under the second apron gives the Knicks some flexibility to package players in deals, but they don't have a surplus of players they can easily part with. Plus, they can't take on more salary than they send out.
This means they'll be scouring the market for backup big men who earn less than the $3 million owed to Pacome Dadiet next season. Pairing him with Tyler Kolek and targeting a center in the $5 million range is one option. But until they know if Landry Shamet will remain with the team, using those second-round picks alongside Dadiet might be their best shot at making a significant move.
The players the Knicks have to offer aren't exactly high-value trade chips on their own. That changes if Deuce McBride is included, but trading him for a backup big doesn't seem like the smartest move.
Enter the draft picks. The Knicks snagged six extra second-rounders over two nights, in addition to drafting Jack Kayil at No. 39 and Tyler Nickel at No.
- This gives them the flexibility to package three or more of these picks with Dadiet and/or Kolek without hesitation.
Draft Maneuvering Could Pay Off Big
Shopping for a Robinson replacement in the under $5 million range isn't ideal, but it's not out of the question. While the options are limited, they're not nonexistent. Players like Ryan Kalkbrenner ($2.4 million), Jonathan Mogbo ($2.3 million), Mo Gueye ($2.4 million), Jay Huff ($2.7 million), and Micah Potter ($2.8 million) could be acquired for Dadiet and a handful of second-rounders.
By adding Kolek to the mix, the Knicks could potentially target players such as Kyle Filipowski ($3 million), Yves Missi ($3.5 million), or Thomas Sorber ($4.9 million).
To reiterate, sending out Dadiet and/or Kolek alone won't seal any deals. However, the Knicks' clever accumulation of second-round picks during the draft could be the leverage they need to make some noise in the trade market.
In Other News...
Knicks Just Saw A Major Mitchell Robinson Threat Fade Away
The market around Mitchell Robinson looks a lot quieter than it did a few days ago. Brooklyns decision to re-sign DayRon Sharpe and install him as its starting center takes one obvious suitor out of the chase, and several other teams that had been mentioned as possible landing spots have also started to drift away from the picture.
For the Knicks, that should make the retention conversation feel a little less frantic, at least on the surface. The challenge has not disappeared, though, because keeping Robinson still has to fit inside New Yorks financial guardrails, and that means the front office has to thread a narrow path if it wants to avoid losing a valuable piece while also preserving flexibility for what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Suddenly Have A Surprising Backup Plan For A Familiar Problem
Jonathan Isaac suddenly finds himself back in the conversation after the Magic waived him to clear the books following Paolo Bancheros rookie max extension. For a Knicks team that has spent plenty of time chasing defensive versatility and frontcourt size, the move creates an interesting market wrinkle around a player whose value has long been tied to what he can do on that end of the floor.
There is, of course, a clear catch. Isaacs recent injury history and limited availability have been part of the reason his price tag could be much more manageable than his talent might suggest, which is exactly why he may end up drawing attention from teams looking for help without a major financial commitment. For New York, the appeal is obvious enough: a familiar kind of problem in the frontcourt, and a possible answer that would not require a heavy lift. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks May Hold A Quiet Edge In Their Center Search
The Knicks are keeping an eye on the center market, and Kevon Looney has emerged as a name worth tracking as free agency approaches. League reports suggest the veteran big man is expected to have his New Orleans team option declined, which would push him into unrestricted free agency and immediately put several contenders on notice. New Yorks interest makes sense on paper, especially with the kind of steady frontcourt piece the Knicks are expected to monitor this summer.
Looney also appears to be on the radar of other teams, including Boston and Golden State, which means the Knicks will not be operating in a quiet lane. Still, there is some real familiarity here, and SNYs Ian Begley has reported that the interest runs both ways. If the Knicks are looking for an edge in a crowded center search, this is the kind of situation where relationships can matter almost as much as the market itself. [Read more 🡒]