Knicks' Trade Deadline Watch: Five Deals and Why They Would or Wouldn't Work
Embracing the Trade Season: A Fan's Perspective
Even if the New York Knicks were atop the Eastern Conference and playing flawless basketball, a good portion of the fan base would be upset if they passed the NBA's Feb. 5 trade deadline without making a move. It's trade season, baby! Fans love new faces, and they're eager to fix even the tiniest flaws on the roster. They want to see their least favorite player shipped out. So, with the trade deadline approaching, I wanted to hear from you, the fans. I asked for your best, realistic New York trades and evaluated them, bringing some perspective as to why a move makes or breaks sense for the Knicks.
Here are five trade ideas that made it to my desk. Let's dive into them and explore the pros and cons of each deal.
Trade Idea No. 1: Knicks Receive Jeremy Sochan, Spurs Get Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet
Why it might work: The Knicks could shed $8.3 million in salary for next season, as Sochan is a restricted free agent, Yabusele has a player option, and Dadiet's club option has already been picked up. This trade addresses the team's need for defensive help, and while Sochan offers nothing offensively, Dadiet's development is worth a roll of the dice.
Why it might not work: I wouldn't do this trade. Yes, the Knicks need defense, but Sochan's lack of offensive contributions is a deal-breaker. I'd rather keep Dadiet, who, despite limited optimism this season, is still only 20 years old. This deal might work if Yabusele could be traded straight up for Sochan, but the Knicks can't do that because Sochan's salary exceeds Yabusele's.
Trade Idea No. 2: Knicks Receive Precious Achiuwa, Kings Get Pacome Dadiet
Why it might work: The Knicks could use another body in the frontcourt, and Achiuwa, despite not being a fan favorite, has slightly better numbers in Sacramento than in New York last year. He'd be a fine third center.
Why it might not work: I'm not a fan of this reunion. Achiuwa's numbers in Sacramento are only slightly better than in New York, and he tends to bite off more than he can chew when given opportunities. I'd rather gamble on Dadiet's development next summer than have Achiuwa on ice for the playoffs. Ariel Hukporti, the current third-string center, might be a better defensive option.
Trade Idea No. 3: Knicks Receive Keon Ellis, Kings Get Pacome Dadiet and a Protected 2026 First-Round Pick via Washington
Why it might work: Ellis is a solid defender and a good 3-point shooter, and the Wizards pick, although likely to become second-round picks, could be solid. However, Knicks head coach Mike Brown didn't play Ellis much when he was with the Kings, and Ellis doesn't offer much in terms of ballhandling and creation.
Why it might not work: I'm not giving up two good second-round picks for Ellis, who can't get consistent burn on a bad Kings team. Additionally, the Washington pick is too much for his skill set. This trade might work if the Knicks could get someone like Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago instead.
Trade Idea No. 4: Knicks Receive Alexandre Sarr, Wizards Get Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet, and a Protected 2026 First-Round Pick via Washington and a Future Second-Round Pick
Why it might work: Sarr would help with interior defense, make it easier to move on from Mitchell Robinson, and add needed athleticism and youth. The Wizards, however, have no incentive to move on from Sarr, and the pick is top-8 protected, so this trade won't happen.
Why it might not work: The Wizards aren't in danger of losing their first-round pick, and they have no incentive to move on from Sarr. This trade won't happen unless the pick is top-1 protected.
Trade Idea No. 5: Knicks Receive Saddiq Bey, Pelicans Get Guerschon Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet, and a Protected 2026 First-Round Pick via Washington
Why it might work: Bey could be a rotation player for the Knicks, but he lacks efficiency, defense, and ballhandling. However, he can have huge performances and win playoff games. The Wizards pick could turn into two good players if the Knicks draft well.
Why it might not work: I'd be surprised if the Knicks gave up that pick for a forward lacking efficiency, defense, and ballhandling. Using a different second-round pick or two would make more sense from the Knicks' perspective.
