NBA Power Rankings Week 14: NBA trade deadline recap

NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Trade deadline recap

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

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NBA trade deadline (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

27. . 24-22. Previous: 17th. New York Knicks. 13. team

Last Week: Lost/OT to Philadelphia 76ers 101-100, Beat Washington Wizards 131-113, Beat Washington Wizards 106-102, Beat Milwaukee Bucks 102-96

This Week: 3/29 vs. Miami Heat, 3/31 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 4/2 vs. Dallas Mavericks

The New York Knicks were relatively inactive this week, marking another positive step in their progression towards being a reasonable franchise. There is no more forcing a win-now move just because they happen to have a winning record at this point in the season. The Knicks made a minor move and will continue to bet on internal development (and perhaps a dalliance in free agency this summer) to continue to make progress.

On Thursday, the Knicks moved on from Austin Rivers and Ignas Brazdeikis and brought in Terrance Ferguson, Vincent Poirier and two second-round picks. Brazdeikis has played seven total minutes so far this season. Poirier and Ferguson find themselves in a similar boat, logging 39 and 49 minutes respectively. Austin Rivers has been out of the rotation since February 13. This trade will not move the needle beyond giving the Knicks a look at a 3-and-D wing who looked like an NBA player a year ago for the Thunder.

It is a revelation to watch the Knicks practice patience. It is the truest sign yet that Leon Rose has made an impact on the James Dolan way of management. RJ Barrett is taking a leap and it is quiet. Julius Randle is an All-Star and the nation as a whole is barely talking about it. All of this is good for the Knicks. Who would have ever imagined they could build a quiet winner?