How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks
The New York Knicks offseason saw two players from their starting lineup leave in free agency, as point guard Elfrid Payton and small forward Reggie Bullock both moved on.
They were both solid defenders, but the front office decided to fill their spots with more offensive-minded players in Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier.
New York needed more offense, so the decision makes sense. But, if the team starts slipping defensively, you can be sure Tom Thibodeau could look for some changes to be made. Someone such as Jerami Grant could be a good fit from that perspective.
Grant is an excellent defender and showcased in his first season with the Detroit Pistons that he can be a go-to player offensively. He averaged 22.3 points per game and was the focal point of the team’s offensive attack.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors
But, Grant could be a bit of an awkward fit with the Knicks. His best position is power forward, where Julius Randle is entrenched as the starter. He can slide down to small forward, but the spacing could get clunky at times.
Surrendering Obi Toppin would be a tough thing to do, but as long as Randle is playing at a high level and Thibodeau sticks to his guns using a traditional center, his upside is capped. Trading him while he still has value would make sense from an asset management standpoint.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors
Grant is worthy of a trade package like this, but it is debatable whether or not this is the kind of deal the Knicks would be interested in making. Given their current position, it is likely New York would pass on a deal like this, instead, staying the course and holding onto their best assets.
