5 moves the new Knicks can make to remind us they’re still the old Knicks

3. Veto a trade involving Kevin Love

One of the worst things James Dolan ever did was veto a trade back in 2013 in which they would’ve acquired Kyle Lowry for Iman Shumpert, Metta World Peace and a first rounder. And every time Lowry and the Raptors play the Knicks, they remind them of this deal that was 99 percent done.

The closest thing they could get to this now is if Dolan shot down a trade package in which Kevin Love was a Knick. A one-for-one swap involving Love and Carmelo Anthony was discussed last season, but the Cavs didn’t pull the trigger. But Love trade rumors have re-surfaced again this offseason, not because of his poor play, but because Anthony and Paul George have expressed interest in playing for Cleveland.

Amidst these trade rumors, it’s easy to forget how good Love was last season. He averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds and shot 37.3 percent from 3-point range. And, at least for a while, he was regarded as a Curry stopper. He remains a vital part of Cleveland’s core, and had he not gotten hurt, he could’ve put up better numbers.

Having Love fall into the Knicks’ lap is one of the best things they could hope for. There’s nobody, outside of Porzingis, on their team that they could give up which would result in a net loss. But knowing Dolan, he would go out of his way to make sure it doesn’t happen.