Yes, we’ve heard this before: The Knicks are planning to make a big splash by trading for or signing a star. In the latest edition of this “Groundhog Day”-like news cycle (it’s Christmas so perhaps, we should use 12 Dates of Christmas as a reference), New York continues to have hopes of using its cap flexibility and assets to turn itself into a contender.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that the Knicks’ current “dream scenario” is to trade for a disgruntled superstar, and the franchise is expected to monitor Karl-Anthony Towns‘ situation. Towns, who signed a five-year, $190M extension prior to the 2018-19 season, is from Metuchen, New Jersey, and the team has hopes that he would be open to playing for the Knicks should the Wolves ever consider trading him.
Berman writes that Bradley Beal remains on the Knicks’ radar. However, a source tells Hoops Rumors that the Wizards still aren’t entertaining trade offers for the shooting guard.
New York has the assets to put together a pretty compelling package for any star who becomes available. In addition to their own picks, the Knicks have two future firsts from the Mavericks as well as several young prospects. They could have more long-term assets if they make future-looking trades at the deadline like deal away Marcus Morris.
Trading for a star appears to be the Knicks’ best chance at landing a one, and with the Wolves dwindling in the cellar of the Western Conference, it’s fair to wonder whether Towns and the Wolves would each welcome a trade. Still, any deal for Towns appears to be far away, as Minnesota has given every indication that they are not open to trading their franchise center.
