5 trades to help the New York Knicks recapture their magic

5 trades to help the Knicks recapture their magic

Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts to the loss with teammates Evan Fournier #13 and Obi Toppin #1 late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2021 in New York City. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 113-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Zion Williamson

This one seemed like it was impossible until it came out on Wednesday that Zion Williamson is continuing his foot injury rehab away from the team in Portland. It sounds like the relationship between New Orleans and Williamson is deteriorating, and the news about his ballooning weight and injury struggles aren’t helping anything. It could all be a smokescreen to get dealt, but nothing is helping them right now.

Williamson has shown superstar potential on the court, but a litany of injuries has those calls on hold. His value has never been lower, and for the first time, it’s fathomable that the Knicks could get the player they felt was coming in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Obviously, this would take a massive deal to make, and it could mean losing Barrett. It also means losing other major assets, so who knows what Knicks team is left standing once the deal is done. Still, the Knicks need a superstar. Randle is a great player, but he’s not in that upper echelon. The Knicks likely aren’t getting someone like Damien Lilliard. Williamson is a risk they are just going to have to take.

The move makes sense for everyone involved. Maybe another team has better assets to get a deal done, but will Williamson show interest to play there? He will show an interest to play in New York. The Knicks will reinvigorate his career, and it could be the move that might push this team now and for a decade in the future.

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