The Knicks’ intriguing package helps them sign a former all-star.
he New York Knicks are in the market to trade for a high-level type of player before the deadline. After the team traded for OG Anunoby, it was clear that they were in a win-now position. That’s been obvious since the trade, too, as the Knicks are playing incredible basketball. Of the potential names that they could trade for, Dejounte Murray continues to be the most prominent. One package that works for the Knicks, according to Ian Begley of SNY, is Mitchell Robinson straight up for Murray. It’s uncertain how many picks would have to be dealt, but Robinson’s salary would be enough to bring Murray back.
“Obviously, the deciding factor here would be draft compensation. New York owns eight first-round picks in the next four drafts. In any trade they make at the deadline, the Knicks want to have enough draft capital left over to pursue a top player via trade in the offseason or during 2024-25. Trading Fournier or Grimes removes one trade chip.
The Knicks would undoubtedly be reluctant to trade their own first-round picks to Atlanta in light of that. The Detroit first-round selection is a good one. There is value in the Bucks’ 2025 first-round selection. Would Atlanta be satisfied with those picks? Could the Hawks demand a first-round pick, unprotected, from the Knicks? Over the course of the next two or more weeks, we ought to learn the answers to those queries.
While it’s unclear if another player of Murray’s caliber will become available, the deadline is drawing near.
Begley reports that the Knicks see Dejounte Murray as a good fit next to Jalen Brunson despite the possibility of the two players not clicking. Given how well he fits next to Trae Young, this is intriguing, but the Knicks front office must recognize a potential improvement.
Murray is viewed as a strong fit by some Knicks fans to play next to Jalen Brunson. However, it seemed doubtful as of last week that the Knicks would agree to pay Atlanta’s asking price. According to Marc Stein, the Hawks are requesting at least two first-round selections in exchange for Murray.
Like Young, Brunson is a small guard, but he plays better defense than the Atlanta Hawks guard. Murray might be able to resume his excellent defensive form against the New York Knicks, who are a much superior defensive team.
Reports have stated in the past that the Knicks do not want to trade Mitchell Robinson, even though he is able to be traded for Murray. It makes sense to keep him around given the possibility of his return this season. When healthy, Robinson is a vital member of this New York Knicks team and one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference.
The Action Network’s Matt Moore revealed that the Knicks decided against trading Mitchell.
Notably, even in the event that Mitchell Robinson recovers, the Knicks do not plan to include him. Before being reevaluated, Robinson is expected to be out for a further 6 to 8 weeks, potentially missing the remainder of the season. According to several sources, the Knicks have expressed a desire to start Towns next to Robinson, much like the Wolves, who have achieved what is widely regarded as unexpected success when Towns is paired with Gobert.
