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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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Third trade option

New York Knicks

The Knicks still receive Markkanen and Thaddeus Young in this scenario, but they don’t receive a draft pick because it would probably kill the deal.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls take Randle this time because he provides depth at the power forward position for the second unit since the Bulls will be offloading Luke Kornet and Markkanen in this deal. Also, Cristiano Felicio usually plays at center so Randle would be the designated power forward for the second unit. Also, Randle is a better option than Daniel Gafford because of his strength and ability to finish around the rim.

Getting Mohamed Bamba from the Orlando Magic would soften the blow for the Bulls by losing Markkanen. They would get a legit center that allows Carter to the starting power forward role. Also, Bamba is a solid floor spacer and would allow Carter to still operate in the paint. Per Basketball-Reference, Bamba was averaging 35.6 percent from three through 60 games this season, so Markkanen would not be missed.

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Bulls would then receive a second-rounder instead of a first-rounder like the other deals. The reasoning the Bulls get a second-rounder is that Bamba still has a lot of upside like Markkanen, so the Bulls would not be losing on value.

Orlando Magic

The Magic receive Smith, who has been linked to the team in the previously. Now it may seem illogical for the Magic to take Smith, considering they traded for Markelle Fultz. However, the Magic can hedge their bets and develop both point guards if they wanted. With D.J. Augustine on the last year of his deal, the Magic could let him walk and slide Smith into the backup role. Also, if Fultz ever misses time, they have Smith to lead the team.

Taking Kornet helps replace Bamba for the short term. Kornet could play with the second unit and stretch the floor since the Magic went in on Vucevic (a reason why Bamba doesn’t receive playing time). Kornet is currently

Lastly, the Magic receive the 2020 first-rounder from the Knicks via the Mavericks. Receiving the first-rounder would help soften the blow of losing Bamba. Also, the deal would be shut down if the Magic received Smith and Kornet in the deal. This pick helps the Magic draft a player to add to their core and depth. This would also be a great consolation prize since drafting Bamba has not panned out.

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