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NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster RJ Barrett trades to help the Knicks

By Jack Simone

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 2: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks smiles in a break in play against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 2: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks smiles in a break in play against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades, RJ Barrett, Knicks
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 24: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks works against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter at Moda Center on January 24, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster RJ Barrett trades to help the Knicks. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images). /

The New York Knicks have been struggling to meet expectations this season. Their offseason acquisitions haven’t panned out the way they had hoped, and it’s been costly.

New York currently sits at 20-21, good for 11th in the Eastern Conference. That means, if the playoffs were to start today, the Knicks would not be a playoff team, or even in the play-in.

There are pathways to improvement for New York, it just depends on what their priority is. If they want to win now, though, RJ Barrett is by far the best asset they have on the roster.

What are some NBA trades the Knicks could pursue if they wanted to trade RJ Barrett? Which of said NBA trades would be the best for both the Knicks and the team they would be trading with?

NBA Trades: 3 blockbuster RJ Barrett trades to help the Knicks – Damian Lillard

Knicks receive: Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers receive: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, 2023 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

If the Portland Trail Blazers ever did decide to trade Damian Lillard, the New York Knicks should pounce at the opportunity. Of all the NBA trades out there, this one would shock the world.

New York would get the star point guard they have been looking for for years now. This would pair Damian Lillard with Julius Randle, and they would then have to compile a team to put around them.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers would be hitting the rest button in a big way. They could build around RJ Barrett and move Evan Fournier to a third team if they wish.

NBA trades like this one would only happen if the Trail Blazers decide to rebuild, but if the opportunity comes up and the Knicks want to prioritize winning now, this is a deal they should pursue.

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