NBA Trades: 5 trade targets the New York Knicks must pursue this summer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks up at the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks as he stands by teammates Quentin Grimes #6 and RJ Barrett #9 at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2022 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Knicks trade target #5: Max Strus

Why would the Heat let one of their most impactful players in the series against the Knicks walk right to New York? Well, they wouldn’t really have a choice. Miami is already deep in the luxury tax thanks to the contracts they’ve given to retain and bring in players.

Some of those deals are reasonable, like the money they’ve handed out to Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, but other contracts have proven to be massive overpayments, like the ones they’ve given to Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson.

Unless Miami finds a way to move Lowry or Robinson, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to afford to bring back Strus considering how well he’s performed in these playoffs. The Knicks should take advantage of that by making Strus an offer.

Strus is a knockdown shooter, which the Knicks witnessed firsthand throughout their six games vs. the Heat. He’s shot 37% on six attempts per game in this year’s playoffs. Meanwhile, New York’s biggest weakness has been outside shooting, a struggle for them both in the regular season and playoffs. Additionally, Strus is a solid slasher and defender, which would make him one of the more versatile wings on the Knicks’ roster.

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