Does this trade make sense for the New York Knicks?
Say what you want about D’Angelo Russell but it’s clear he can put the ball in the bucket at a high-level and the New York Knicks need someone who can do that. He may be a defensive liability, but at least it’s not because he’s an undersized guard. Standing at 6-foot-4, Russell would at least give head coach Tom Thibodeau something to work with.
There is reason for optimism surrounding Immanuel Quickley and what he can become as a player in the long-term, but why wait for a player to possibly never even become the caliber of offensive threat that D’Angelo Russell already is?
The Knicks need to add an established threat to pair with Julius Randle and to be another perimeter scoring threat beyond RJ Barrett. If Barrett’s development continues on schedule, having Randle and Russell alongside him could be an intriguing trio.
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This trade scenario is a prime example of why it helps to have salary cap space to use in order to take on a big contract. Giving up Kevin Knox II, a late first-round pick this year, and an underwhelming pick in 2023 isn’t that much in addition to Immanuel Quickley.
