New York Knicks
When the New York Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks it shocked many people. They were lambasted for the trade, but their long-term vision is coming to fruition. New York did that so they would have flexibility should a star player become available and Bradley Beal would constitute as one.
Washington would start any trade negotiations off with the Knicks asking for RJ Barrett. New York, having experience from gutting a roster with the Carmelo Anthony trade, will do everything in their power to hold onto the No. 3 overall pick from 2019, especially with the sophomore season he had.
Instead, the Knicks will put their other young players, Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox and Immanuel Quickley on the board. While they do not possess as high of ceilings as Barrett, they would give Washington some nice young pieces to develop and round out their roster with.
By not including Barrett, the Knicks will have to pony up draft capital and they have the resources to do so. Both picks acquired from the Porzingis trade from the Mavericks can be used here, along with their own in both years. Throwing in one more future first-rounder would make it five in total, in addition to the young players involved.
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Given the cap space that New York has, they do not have to send out a matching salary; they can absorb money right into their space. If Washington wants to clear some more, such as Thomas Bryant, the draft compensation can be adjusted accordingly.
