New York Knicks Receive: G Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Kevin Knox II, 2021 first-round pick and 2022 Second-Round Pick
The Knicks are well aware of what the Hornets are dealing with. While Charlotte isn’t going to get Julius Randle in a package, New York knows that Rozier’s worth has increased as well.
The Knicks would like to upgrade their roster around RJ Barrett and Randle, not part ways with either of them, so they have to make a deal worthwhile for the Hornets.
They are not going to just give away Rozier and a package with Kevin Knox II being the only player heading back to Charlotte is a relatively weak starting point given Knox II’s struggles thus far in his NBA career. The Hornets have a much clearer path to playing time for Knox II as well and get a look at him before his rookie deal expires.
Rozier is on an expiring deal as well, which gets taken into account in this deal. At the trade deadline, Rozier would likely fetch multiple picks so the Knicks beat anyone else that may pursue him to the punch snagging him during the offseason.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
Even in a market with multiple options at the point guard position, Rozier would fetch at least a first-round pick, so a future second is added in to further sweeten the pot.
Another thing to consider in this deal is that Tom Thibodeau wants to win as soon as possible. Does adding a second rookie with the No. 21 pick, as the team also has the No. 19 overall pick, get them closer to that goal than Rozier? The answer is likely not.
