3. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks could have their center of the future in Mitchell Robinson. The two sides can negotiate a contract extension throughout the season since he was not a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
If New York is not comfortable with Robinson as the long-term answer in the middle, they could shift their focus to someone such as Deandre Ayton. New York has done a great job acquiring assets and structuring their roster in a way to be serious contenders on the trade market.
At 23-years old, Ayton is just scratching the service of his potential. He showed just how much progress he has made in his career as he was a key cog in the Suns advancing to the NBA Finals this past postseason.
The former No. 1 overall pick would provide the New York Knicks with an offensive presence in the middle they do not currently have. Robinson and Nerlens Noel don’t have much of an expanded offensive game, relying on lobs and putbacks for most of their production. Taj Gibson has some range on his jump shot but could rack up DNP’s when Robinson and Noel are both healthy.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams That Should Keep Tabs On DeAndre Ayton Trade
Defensively, Deandre Ayton would do a lot that Tom Thibodeau likes. He is a presence in the middle with his rebounding and shot-blocking, but athletic enough to switch out on the perimeter as well. The New York Knicks wouldn’t miss much of a beat with him in the middle as the anchor of their defense.
