The NY Knicks’ roster is young and needs to grow before they can consistently win games, so they’ll look to upgrade before the trade deadline to improve their playoff chances.
This trade would be good for both the NY Knicks and the LA Clippers!
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Why would the Knicks trade like this?
The Knicks traded Dennis Smith Jr. and a second-round pick for Derrick Rose in 2021. Since then, Thibodeau’s team has relied on Rose. Rose helped the team reach the playoffs in 2020-21. He was useful to the team, but he should be traded to a team that can use him.
Evan Fournier has also been a model professional since joining the Garden.
Robert Covington can guard multiple positions and add 3-and-D off the bench. His three-point shooting and defense may improve with a change of scenery. His minutes would rest RJ Barrett and Julius Randle and possibly allow him to close games.
Another bench perimeter threat is Luke Kennard. Quentin Grimes’ defense has earned him the two-guard spot, but the NBA needs more shooting. With all the little injuries, the Knicks will be glad to have someone like Kennard to fill in any of the perimeter positions later in the season.
Both contracts expire in a year, so they could be valuable summer trade pieces.
So, why would Clippers trade?
The Clippers rank seventh defensively but 27th offensively. They need basketball scoring help. The team’s current scheme may allow defensive deficiencies if the wing’s length and athleticism are a net plus.
Fournier and Rose are good offensively but poor defensively. Fournier can replace Luke Kennard’s outside shooting and create his own shot, unlike Covington and Kennard.
If Reggie Jackson or John Wall are injured, Rose can still penetrate the paint and boost their offense. Rose’s availability is always welcome on the Clippers’ injury-prone roster.
Due to wing depth, Covington and Kennard are not getting minutes and both contracts use a lot of cap space. Rose has a team option for next year, but both contracts are guaranteed until 2024. This would clear space and net a second-round pick. Fournier’s 2025 team option matches Covington and Kennard’s.
This trade helps the Clippers and Knicks improve their rosters for the playoffs. This wouldn’t improve the Knicks, but it would let them keep building chemistry. This trade benefits both teams and should be considered.
