2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 teams that shouldn't make moves

2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 teams who shouldn’t make moves

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, LeBron clowns Durant for Harden trade at 2022 NBA All-Star Draft. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Team to stay put No. 3: New York Knicks

Similar to the San Antonio Spurs, we’ve seen another pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference. The newborn New York Knicks have been shocking the basketball world since the first game of the season and could be participating in playoff basketball in May.

The Knicks have been a solid playoff team for a few weeks now, never dropping out of the playoff picture. As of today, they are half a game behind the fourth-seeded Miami Heat, as these few spots are currently hanging by a thread.

Julius Randle just earned his first career All-Star nod and is leading the Knicks to their best season since the good ol’ Carmelo Anthony days in 2012-13. He and RJ Barrett are respectively putting up good cases for the Most Improved Player award.

Most of the credit, however, has to be allocated to Tom Thibodeau who has transformed a tanking team to a solid playoff contender, all within the span of a few months. To sum up, things are sailing smoothly in New York City.

So why mess with that? The Knicks have been struggling with some injury issues, though it hasn’t really shown out on the court. Even with Nerlens Noel playing 40 minutes per night at center and Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks handling the point guard rotation, the Knicks keep being competitive.

There are so many trades that could be made with this roster. Perhaps a package of the young guys to fetch a superstar like Beal or even several minor trades to get rid of the veterans, in exchange for future assets.

However, for the first time in a few years, the New York Knicks are living in the future that they were preparing themselves so much for. There’s no need for future assets, just time and experience to keep on building on this special project.