After back-to-back losses in the second round of the playoffs despite finding a competitive core, the Knicks will likely make their big pivot this summer with a star trade while still possessing a ton of assets — and before the De restrictive new CBA comes into full effect.
Here are the top 10 trade targets for the Knicks this offseason, ranked:
10. Dejounte Murray
New York was rumored to have looked at Murray last trade deadline and could get another chance this summer as Atlanta looks to shake up its roster. Donte DiVincenzo is probably the best choice, but the Knicks will weigh any talent upgrade.
9. Karl-Anthony Cities
Minnesota likely won’t deal him, and the Knicks would have to pay a premium for a marginal upgrade Julius Randle (if so), but there are arguments for acting for cities. He would boost the yardage and shooting from fourth down and add some inches to New York’s frontcourt.
8. Kyle Kuzma
After injuries to Randle and OG Anunoby New York lost in the playoffs, but additional frontcourt depth should be a focus in trade talks. Kuzma is a reliable scorer and defender, but would he accept a smaller role on a winning team after turning down a trade to Dallas last season?
7.Bruce Brown
This is where the list becomes much more realistic, and Brown could be the top available target for the Knicks in that category this offseason. Brown would provide depth in the backcourt with his all-around play and help the Knicks create, connect, rebound and defend. And it shouldn’t cost them more than that Bojan Bogdanovic and part of the design capital.
6. Alex Caruso
Caruso has made back-to-back All-Defensive Teams and quietly hit 40 percent of his threes on a career-high 4.7 attempts per game last season. If Chicago is interested in dealing him, the Knicks should keep an eye on the entire pursuit because his game is a match made in Heaven.
5. Mikal Bridges
Bridges walks the line perfectly between addressing New York’s needs and fulfilling New York’s wishes for a star. He was an excellent 3-and-D player before he was asked to take on too much of a burden for a struggling Brooklyn team, but he could join his ex-Villanova teammates across the East River as the last missing piece towards the battle.
Unfortunately, the Nets and Knicks haven’t made a trade in decades, and it doesn’t appear Brooklyn has any plans to trade Bridges at all.
4. Donovan Mitchell
Two summers ago, the Knicks were deep in trade talks for Mitchell, who ultimately went to Cleveland and may sign an extension to stay there. Of all the names on this list, Mitchell’s is – ironically – perhaps the least realistic to obtain. But if he does become available for some reason, the Knicks shouldn’t pursue him again.
3.Paul George
George would also be a perfect star: a powerful scorer who is also one of the league’s best 3-and-D wings. He could start at the two next to Anunoby and form the best defense in the league, without sacrificing anything on the other end. And he wouldn’t derail the Knicks’ culture. All he had to do was turn down the expansion talks and unlimited freedom of choice and then request a trade to join them.
2. Kevin Durant
When the suns part, but think about it Devin Boeker untouchable, Durant would be a strong consolation prize. Knicks fans may not be too keen on the idea given his past comments about the franchise and the superteam’s recent failures, but that could be overkill.
Durant had an MVP-lite season in 2023-24, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and five assists on 56.7 percent from two and 41.3 percent from three. This while he almost single-handedly carried the Suns and played 75 games.
1. Devin Booker
There have been no reports suggesting Phoenix is ​​acquiring Booker, but after a first-round sweep to Minnesota produced three straight disappointing finishes since their 2021 Finals appearance, some locker room discord wouldn’t be surprising.
If the Suns abandon their big three, or Booker asks to leave, the Knicks would be an ideal destination as a team in another conference with All-Star talent and massive draft capital ready to are shipped.
Booker should be their main target as he is one of the top 15 players in terms of fitness. He would bring elite shooting and scoring to the two spots without destroying their defensive makeup or bringing in an entirely new team culture.
