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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
Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles during the first half against the New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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

Knicks receive: Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert

Pacers receive: RJ Barrett, Alec Burks, Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox II, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

According to NBA rumors, the Indiana Pacers are open for business. This deal would see them ship off two of the players rumored to be available in one trade package.

The Knicks would get two starting-caliber NBA players, including a two-time All-Star in Domantas Sabonis. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert could take RJ Barrett’s place in the starting lineup.

New York’s starting five would potentially look like Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Caris LeVert, Julius Randle, and Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is easily big enough and a good enough rebounder to run the five.

Losing Barrett’s defense might be a killer, but in terms of pure talent, this deal makes the Knicks better. It would give them an All-Star frontcourt to roll out every night.

As for the Pacers, they’d be getting three young players to help spark a rebuild, with Barret being by far the best of the bunch. They could build around him and Chris Duarte moving forward.

Obi Toppin would be a nice player for them to grab, too, as they could give him more opportunities than he currently gets in New York. Kevin Knox II would also get the chance to revive his career in Indiana.

This deal would make the Knicks better right now and help the Pacers prepare for the future. Those are the right directions for each of these teams to go in.

Next. The Knicks need to trade for Ben Simmons. dark

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