New York Knicks basketball is almost back, but they will soon have to make some big decisions regarding their much-improved roster.
With the Knicks having 19 players entering training camp, they will have to trim down their roster and make some tough decisions. The general consensus is that they will either waive Landry Shamet or trade fan favorite Tyler Kolek.
However, according to the Athletics James Edward III (subscription required), they have a third option, which is to trade Pacôme Dadiet. Edwards reasons that he will have higher trade value than either Shamet or Kolek, and while he won't fetch the Knicks a first-round pick, he could net them a second.
Him being able to fetch New York a second-round pick suggests that he has some value around the NBA. After all, teams could simply wait and see if he shakes loose after the Knicks are forced to trim down their roster.
In that case, it might make more sense for New York to waive or trade another player rather than give up on a 6'8", 20-year-old forward with potential.
The New York Knicks suddenly have an embarrassment of riches
After previously relying on only a handful of players the last couple of seasons, New York will have plenty of depth next season. They will have Mitchell Robinson to start next season, something they didn't have last year, and his presence could make an immediate difference.
He may start next to Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. That would give them a big lineup that should be better defensively, if slightly worse on offense.
That would push Josh Hart to the bench with the likes of Deuce McBride and former Sixth Man of the Year winners Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. That would give them at least nine rotation players, a significant improvement over last season.
Depth is a great problem for the New York Knicks to have
Relying less on their starters should keep them fresh for the playoffs, potentially helping them get a high seed and an easier path to the postseason. They will have a much easier path to the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers possibly out of the picture and the Boston Celtics looking dramatically changed.
That gives them a perfect chance to do big things, but first they will have to figure out their roster. If Dadiet does have trade value, then moving him would make rounding out their roster much easier.
All in all, the Knicks will have tough roster decisions to make before the start of the season. Fortunately, the Knicks have solved their biggest problem, depth, and have options to round out their roster, such as trading Dadiet.