Why This Trade Makes Sense For The New York Knicks
While Julius Randle is playing the best basketball of his career, the New York Knicks have to make a choice sooner than later about his future with this organization. He is under contract this season and then for the 2021-22 season, his contract is partially-guaranteed for $4M, making him a prime trade target for many teams around the NBA.
His value is not going to get any higher than it is now and if the Knicks do not see a future with Randle being involved long-term, they need to trade him now to get the most out of him. Kemba Walker is an All-Star and healthy, he would be the leader and best player on the Knicks.
Not only do the New York Knicks need a superstar player, but they need to be willing to show potential All-Star free agents that they are legit. New York is a fantastic sports market and a lot of big name players would probably love to play for the Knicks, but nobody wants to go to a team that struggles to win 20 games every year.
The Knicks need to prove that they have changed their franchise around and are able to make a push in the Eastern Conference. It may not matter if they make the playoffs this year or not, but they need to prove they can win games with this young core and by bringing in Kemba Walker, it makes the Knicks an interesting team to watch.
R.J. Barrett and first-round pick Obi Toppin are the two faces of the franchise moving forward and with Kemba as their leader, a lot of good can come out of this situation. Not only would Walker and Barrett be a great one-two punch for the Knicks’ backcourt, but Kemba is a very well respected and liked player around the NBA. A lot of high-level players would likely want to play with him, giving the Knicks plenty of leverage when it comes time for free agency.
Bringing in Kemba Walker sends a message to the rest of the players in the NBA that the Knicks are legit and willing to do what it takes to make star players comfortable and happy in a market like New York. Whether it is Walker or somebody else, the Knicks need to trade for an All-Star level talent this year and given the upside Kemba could bring to this team, it would make sense to acquire him now.
