Grade the Trade: This Knicks-Mavs-Raptors deal would send a star to NY
By Cal Durrett
Grade the Trade: New York Knicks
Despite a strong 2022–22 season, the Knicks opted to make minor moves instead of pursuing a big star. Although they did improve in the summer by adding Dante DiVincenzo, they fell behind in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks and Celtics are much better and while Miami didn’t get better, it’s clear that they are still above the Knicks.
That makes New York the fourth-best team in the East, at best. That is unless they make a win-now move to improve their chances in an increasingly tough conference. Making a move for Siakam would qualify, though his fit isn’t perfect. He plays the same position as Knicks all-star Julius Randle and would probably be an upgrade, though this trade doesn’t have Randle being moved.
The Knicks could play Siakam at center, next to Randle and alongside Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and Josh Hart, though that isn’t his optimal position. With Joel Embiid in the East, having Siakam be the one to guard him would be a risk, though the 76ers might take a step back depending on the James Harden situation, making that potentially less risky.