SGA to the Knicks?
On the afternoon of September 1st, 2023, the worst news that any current Knicks fan could hear was released. After months of hearing back and forth talks about Donovan Mitchell coming to the Knicks, Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Collin Sexton was a top player to acquire, and the Cavs did just that in the trade, as well as many draft picks.
The Knicks were the team that everyone thought Donovan Mitchell would land at, considering the Knicks had the best to offer the Phoenix Suns. So how could after months this have happened? The answer is simple. The Knicks General Manager, Leon Rose, does not know what he is doing. The Knicks nation has constantly gotten their hopes just to be let down every single time. But in times like these, Knicks fans are great with saying “onto the next”. So who’s next? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is next.
SGA is the next possible target for New York. His current team, Oklahoma City Thunder, is currently in a rebuilding phase. That means the 24 year old may be a possible trade option, although the loss of Chet Holmgren due to injury may hold SGA back in the Thunder’s roster. Donovan Mitchell was set at a high cost, SGA would be less but still would cause the Knicks to part ways with a few of their assets. Here a few trade possibilities:
A possible trade, but a should-be-avoided trade would see four core players and two trade picks gone for SGA. These four players would be Obi Toppin, who caused the Knick nation to be up in arms when rumored to be traded for Mitchell, Miles McBride, Cam Reddish and Derrick Rose. This trade would have to include this amount of players in order to match SGA’s contract. This would be a go-to option most likely as Rose could be a leader for the Thunder’s young roster despite the Thunder’s hesitation to acquire him as he is a 33 year old veteran. Although Rose was rumored to be “off-limits” in the Mitchell trade talks. Reddish and McBrice will be a struggle in the Knicks rotation this season most likely, so even though people love the duke bromance between Rj Barrett and Reddish and the summer league power duo of Quentin Grimes and McBride, it will not be a big hit for the Knicks. Obi Toppin has been showing much promise and should cause hesitation in the Knick’s front office to trade him. Julius Randle, although not included in the deal, is a player many Knick nation members are ready to part ways with. Even though Randle is due for a breakout season, he could be a good contender to part ways with in exchange for keeping Toppin.
Another trade possibility would be to send Mcbride, Reddish, Evan Fournier and two draft picks for SGA. Evan Fournier’s power is in his three-point shooting, and that is something the Knicks still have a need for. His name has been all over in rumors this offseason, so a trade would not surprise many. However, OKC has a young roster, which means the Thunder may want to steer clear for Fournier. However, Fournier could be flipped if they do end up making the trade. New York wouldn’t take a big loss losing him as he tends to consist of his shooting in a way that is “all or nothing”, as well as he is short on the defensive end. Cam Reddish and Miles McBride, who as mentioned earlier, are going to likely continue to receive limited minutes as they will again struggle in the rotation. Reddish will be ready for a new contract by the end of the season, and OKC could be ready to invest in him.