The New York Knicks have a huge opportunity. With Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton injured, Joel Embiid still struggling, and Giannis Antetokounmpo no longer having a star sidekick, the Eastern Conference is wide open. At this point, the Knicks and Cavaliers feel like their chances of making it to the NBA Finals are as real as ever.
That could mean two things for the Knicks. Either one, they take their proven core, see if their free agency signings and a new coach can bring them to the promised land. Or, they try to shake things up in an effort to strengthen their top-heavy roster and fix some of their deficiencies from last season.
One player who has been the subject of many Knicks trade rumors is Karl-Anthony Towns. Some Knicks players and staff seemed to blame his lack of defense as one of the reasons for their postseason shortcomings. That’s why KAT trade rumors have been the center of many Knicks trade ideas.
One Knicks trade proposal, created by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman, could be a worthwhile risk. The Knicks-KAT trade idea looks like this:
Hawks receive: Tyler Kolek
Suns receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet
Knicks receive: Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Nick Richards, 2026 2nd-round pick (from PHX, via OKC/DAL/PHI), 2029 2nd-round pick (from ATL, via CLE), 2029 2nd-round pick (via PHX), Unprotected 2032 1st-round pick swap (via PHX)
“This move saves the Knicks a lot of money this season and in the years to come, which might be necessary in this new CBA environment with the aprons. Brooks improves their defense and both Allen and Richards give them even more depth. Mitchell Robinson tends to miss time with injuries and Richards can give them another option at center for when that happens. A core of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart can still be competing in the Eastern Conference.”
This trade essentially trades star power for depth. Dillon Brooks is the perfect New York Knicks villain. His defensive ability and shooting would fit in well with the current Knicks roster.
Allen and Richards give the Knicks bench depth, and the slew of picks replenishes the almost empty chest of Knicks draft picks.
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While intriguing, the Knicks should hold off on this KAT trade idea. They need to see what their new coach and roster can do before making major changes like this.
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