New York Knicks Receive: C Andre Drummond, 2021 second-round pick (via Dallas Mavericks)

Dallas Mavericks Receive: SG Alec Burks, G Frank Ntilikina, G/F Reggie Bullock

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Kevin Knox II, PF James Johnson, 2024 second-round pick (via Dallas Mavericks)

The New York Knicks would not have to give up too much in order to land Andre Drummond in this scenario. They would move on from two draft busts in Kevin Knox II and Frank Ntilikina while trading away temporary veterans like Alec Burks and Reggie Bullock.

For a team in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ position, they can’t be too picky. Drummond is playing on an expiring contract and it’s better to find a suitor than to just buy him out. Knox II could provide some depth on the wing and maybe perform better in a different system.

The Dallas Mavericks would be involved to help facilitate the trade using James Johnson’s expiring contract and inclusion of multiple second-round picks. In exchange, they would receive Burks and Bullock to add some sharpshooting alongside Luka Doncic.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the rationale for this trade for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks.