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New York Knicks: Trades that could land Lauri Markkanen

By Alexander Trataros

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 28, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bulls 105-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls in action against Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 28, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bulls 105-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Second trade option

New York Knicks

The Knicks in this scenario not only get Markkanen, but they also receive Thaddeus Young and Jevon Carter.

The Knicks receive Young because his contract balances the money involved in the trade. Also, the Bulls’ new management would want to get rid of his contract to have future cap flexibility.

Now Young’s salary is cheaper than Julius Randle’s, but it’s understandable if the Knicks wouldn’t want Young because the last year of his contract isn’t a team option like Randle’s. However, if taking Young means landing Markkanen, then the Knicks should do it. Also, Young would provide a veteran presence for the young players since he’s been in the league for so long.

Carter adds point guard depth allowing the Knicks to move on from Elfrid Payton. Carter is also another ball-handler who makes smart decisions and plays defense, giving the Knicks flexibility to move Frank to shooting guard and slide Barrett in at small forward (granted the Knicks draft a point guard this year).

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Finally, the Knicks receives the Phoenix Suns 2022 second-rounder based on the amount of talent the Suns are getting. Yes, Dennis Smith Jr. had a down year and Julius Randle took on a larger role than he is built for, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be solid contributors on another team. Before joining the Knicks, they’ve shown they can be contributors to a team. They just need the right situation.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls receive Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Suns to add wing depth. Oubre is capable of shooting threes and slashing, which helps to create space and generates easy baskets in transition.

With Frank Kaminsky, he helps replace the depth at power forward after losing Markkanen. He also allows Wendell Carter Jr. to move to the power forward position and put Frank at the center because of his height and length. Frank is also able to help space the floor because he can shoot three-pointers decently. Frank is obviously not better than Markkanen, but he helps fill a hole for the interim.

Lastly, the Bulls receive the Knicks 2021 first-round pick via the Dallas Mavericks. The 2021 Mavs’  pick would probably be the best value for the Bulls because the 2021 NBA Draft is supposed to be filled with more talent than this years.

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The Bulls should be pleased to get Oubre who could run nicely with Coby White, LaVine, and Carter. The Bulls can then use the first-round pick to add a center or any other piece that they would be missing.

Pheonix Suns

The Suns receive Smith not only as a replacement for Carter but as a prospect because he was a former lottery pick with high potential.

Smith could be the scorer that comes off the bench and provides the team with some instant offense. Smith would provide the athleticism to penetrate defenses to create spacing for the second unit, which is a necessity for the Suns. Furthermore, if they wanted Smith to be the starter one day and become a floor general, who better to learn from than Ricky Rubio.

Receiving Randle helps the Suns add power forward depth and post presence. Currently, the Suns have two centers (who they like to play at the same time) in Deandre Ayton and Aron Baynes. With Randle in the starting lineup or the second unit, he would help alleviate the Suns from playing two centers at once. Also, Randle is another big who can run pick and rolls, play with his back to the basket, and grab rebounds.

Adding Denzel Valentine would add 3-and-D depth that would be needed after trading Oubre. Valentine would play with the second unit because he’s never been a true starter and he would never start over Booker (unless there was an injury). But Valentine running with a second unit consisting of Smith, Randle, Baynes, and Cameron Johnson, that is a solid group to provide scoring and decent defense.

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