'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The New York Knicks have their task cut out this NBA off-season. The franchise hasn't been anywhere near the playoffs for a long time, and the fans have demanded immediate change for the better. The Knicks haven't drafted well; neither have they managed to recruit well in free-agency despite several NBA Trade Rumors linking them to stars like Kevin Durant.
Instead, they have had to settle for players like 25-year-old Julius Randle. The New York Knicks gave the power forward a three-year, $62-million contract after he averaged a whopping 21.4 points per game last season for the New Orleans Pelicans on over 50% shooting. Those numbers have dipped just a little bit but he's still averaging almost a 20 point double-double this season.
However, it's his fit on this New York Knicks team that has been questioned. He is clearly a talented offensive player who will only get better but many fans believe Randle's statistics are inflated and that he doesn't help the team win games with his numbers. Whether the same is true or not, it is worth looking at trades involving him.
#5 NBA Trade Rumors: Zach Collins would stretch the floor better
Zach Collins is still only 22 and has shown the potential to become a top-level NBA player especially when it comes to interior defense. In an injury-ravaged third season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Zach Collins scored only 7 points with 6.3 rebounds a game.
That being said, he knocked down threes with an efficiency of nearly 37%. That is another advantage Collins has over Julius Randle, who hasn't been effective in stretching the floor.
To balance the salaries, the New York Knicks can take on Hassan Whiteside courtesy of a sign-and-trade while Dennis Smith Jr. can go the other way.
Whiteside is one of the best rim protectors the NBA has seen in recent years and led the league in blocks this season. The 31-year-old, along with Mitchell Robinson, would make for an amazing center rotation. The Portland Trail Blazers will get a much-needed back-up point guard in return alongside a starting 4 like Randle.
#4 NBA Trade Rumors: Dennis Schroder gives the New York Knicks a reliable scoring guard
Dennis Schroder had an incredible season coming off the Oklahoma City Thunder bench. The German averaged 18.9 points on a career-high 46.9% from the field and 38.5% from three.
The former Atlanta Hawks guard is still only 27 and could easily start in the New York Knicks backcourt. Neither Elfrid Payton nor Dennis Smith Jr. has looked the part in New York, and the franchise need a starting-caliber point guard.
The sole reason why the New York Knicks could decide against this move is Dennis Schroder's contract, which only has one year remaining on it before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Schroder could well decide to move to a contending team then.
#3 NBA Trade Rumors: Victor Oladipo could attract free agents to New York Knicks
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly worried about losing Victor Oladipo for nothing as his contract runs out after another year. As a result, the New York Knicks might be able to make a move for the former All-Star if Julius Randle were to go the other way.
Julius Randle, as mentioned earlier, is only 25, and the Pacers could be willing to test how he fits in with the rest of the roster, even if it means him coming off the bench.
Victor Oladipo will finally mark the return of an All-Star caliber player to the Madison Square Garden, although it remains to be seen whether Oladipo can produce at that level again, given his injury issues. Still, it is a chance worth taking for a franchise that desperately needs a spark to light a fire.
#2 NBA Trade Rumors: Steven Adams and his large contract is worth taking on
Steven Adams is one of the better defensive centers in the league and still only 27. He is on the final year of his contract and will earn $27.5 million for the 2020-21 season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be willing to trade him as they look to rebuild with younger players, and acquiring Steven Adams shouldn't be hard. OKC should be more than interested in the younger Julius Randle while Taj Gibson will also be included to match salaries.
Steven Adams, again, will help make the franchise a better landing spot for free agents. Moreover, taking on his large contract makes sense even if it is expiring.
The New York Knicks would have the freedom to let him walk for free and create cap space to potentially make a big time coup in the 2021 free agency, which is loaded with stars.
#1 NBA Trade Rumors: Kelly Oubre Jr. could be a star with the New York Knicks
Kelly Oubre has been quite sensational since joining the Phoenix Suns from the Washington Wizards. He was enjoying a career year before injury ended it prematurely.
Oubre Jr. finished with impressive averages of 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 45% shooting throughout this season.
However, the Suns might be open to trading him given how much better the team performed in the NBA bubble in his absence.
Coach Monty Williams may be better off starting Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges in the wing positions instead of Kelly Oubre, who is unlikely to want to come off the bench.
The New York Knicks could promise him a big role in the squad and more help from the 2021 free agency class. He'd be the perfect replacement for Julius Randle if they manage to convince him.
Guess the Lakers players!
