The Knicks were already in a center shortage with the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason. To make matters worse, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is expected to be out at least until December or January. as first reported by Yaron Weitzman.
The Knicks have a few internal options that could replace Robinson. They re-signed backup Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims is back and head coach Tom Thibodeau could opt for more small-ball units. None of those options are good full-time options, though, and New York should look to add depth at center.
The Knicks are limited in the types of trades they can make. They emptied most of their war chest of picks by trading for Mikal Bridges. They protected first-round picks from the Pistons and Wizards that will likely turn into second-round picks once they make pick swaps and second-round picks to offer. They are also past the first apron, meaning they can’t get more money back in a trade they send.
Given these constraints, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find trades that make sense for the Knicks and the teams involved. Here are three that might work.
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Three Perfect Targets for the Knicks
Clint Capela, Hawks
Capela is still a solid starting center at age 30. Injuries limited his effectiveness last season, but he’s a great roller, a blocking threat and one of the league’s best offensive rebounders. He’d fit right in with Thibodeau’s style of play.
The Knicks already spoke to the Hawks during the offseason about Capela, by Ian Begley of SNYThose discussions could intensify with Robinson’s injury.
Capela’s expiring $22.3 million salary means the Knicks would likely have to include Julius Randle as part of any deal.
Here’s what a transaction might look like:
It would be difficult for the Knicks to part ways with Deuce McBride, who has been a solid defender and a good scorer for them. That would make him a good pairing alongside Trae Young.
Larry Nance Jr. would give the Knicks more depth at center. He’s a good small ball, big guy who can defend multiple positions. He’d be a nice extra weapon late in games.
It’s a low return for a player like Randle, but the options are pretty limited when you consider how few teams need his services.
Robert Williams, Trail Blazers
Williams was one of the league’s most promising young centers when he was with the Celtics, making the 2022 All-Defensive Team. He hasn’t played much in recent years due to recurring knee injuries. He tore a ligament in his right knee, causing him to miss nearly all of Portland’s 2023-24 season.
The Knicks should be among the teams monitoring Williams, according to ESPN’s Brian WindhorstWilliams’ role is even more redundant given that the Blazers used their No. 7 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to select center Donovan Clingan.
Here’s a potential trade:
Williams and Robinson are similar players. Both are good defenders and finishers, both are 26 years old and will make about the same amount of money over the next two seasons. The health of each player is also a question mark.
The Blazers won’t be healthy this season. Williams’ health is always a risky bet, but if he’s healthy enough to go early in the season, it might make sense to make this trade.
Nikola Vucevic, Bulls
The Bulls are in the process of overhauling their roster to make it younger. They also owe the Spurs a protected top-10 pick that they’d like to keep, giving them a strong incentive to trade their veterans.
Vucevic has declined significantly since his All-Star days in Orlando. His shooting in particular has dropped off. But he remains a good defensive rebounder, has good touch in the post and is a solid passer. He can provide adequate playmaking as a starting center.
Vucevic’s $20 million salary means Randle should be part of this deal as well. The Bulls have no use for him, so it would have to be a three-team trade.
Here is a potential format:
Giving up Randle for Vucevic is not a fair trade in terms of talent for the Knicks. They might consider it anyway because it would rebalance their roster and save them a lot of money on taxes. Plus, they would generate a trade exception that they could use to add another player later.
This would be a good deal for the Bulls. They would get rid of Vucevic’s money a year early and get a good prospect in Marcus Sasser. The question would be whether the Pistons would want Randle. It’s a low price, and they showed by acquiring Tobias Harris this offseason that they want veterans who can prevent last year’s 14-68 disaster from happening again.
If the Pistons say yes, then the Knicks could bring in a former two-time All-Star to join them.