Despite having one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks have gotten off to a sluggish start. They are just 10-6 through the first 16 games of the season and are only sixth in the East.
What is fueling their troubles is their lopsided play on opposite ends of the floor. They are currently third in the NBA in offensive rating, which is an impressive leap forward after ranking sixth in that category last season.
In fact, they are scoring more than two points more per 100 possessions this season compared to last season, proving that they have definitely leveled up on offense.
On the other hand, the Knicks rank just 19th in defensive rating after ranking 13th last season. Having a below-average defense and an elite offense is a recipe for a playoff team but not exactly a contender.
The Knicks' sketchy defense is keeping them from greatness
Their record bears that out and highlights the need for them to make a big trade to shore up their defensive weakness. That's where Dallas Mavericks come in.
With the Dallas Mavericks appearing to be in full-scale rebuild mode, they could soon be having a fire sale. That can mean that players like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford could be available.
Of those players, two stand out as potential fits with the Knicks. The first being Davis, who, according to Knicks insider Ian Bagley, may be on the team's radar. I know, look, I know.
He's 32 and injury-prone, but he is a floor-raising defensive player and a heck of an offensive weapon when he's healthy. Putting him next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the front court could maximize his impact, with the Knicks getting a defensive upgrade at the five.
It'll cost them, with Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, and Deuce McBride having to be included in a trade. Possibly even a three-team trade with Anunoby going to a third team with the assets going to the Mavericks.
The Knicks would really have to be married to the idea of trading for Davis to move a starter and two rotation players in-season, but if their defense doesn't improve, then that might be a more appealing option to New York.
The Dallas Mavericks could be the perfect trade partner for the Knicks
More likely, however, would be the Knicks looking to acquire Gafford. Gafford is of a similar mold to Robinson but is more durable and locked in for three more years after this season for only $40.4 million. That would likely be less than what Robinson would get if the Knicks were to re-sign him.
Moving Robinson and Tyler Kolek for Gafford would ensure the Knicks have a cheap and reliable big man for years to come instead of having to worry about when Robinson will miss time again. Ultimately, the Mavericks have at least two players that could interest the Knicks.
Davis would be a big swing with high risk and high reward, while Gafford would be a much more reasonable trade that could ensure they have a reliable center that won't break the bank. Both options have pros and cons, though the Knicks likely need to make a trade this season or risk falling flat in the playoffs.