The New York Knicks are still bringing center Mitchell Robinson along slowly after he missed the first few weeks of the season. Although he has played reasonably well in limited minutes, they must come to a depressing reality. They can't rely on him to stay healthy.
Robinson, who is in the final year of his contract, is a potential trade option for the Knicks, and they may have the perfect trade target in mind.
The Dallas Mavericks are in disarray after the firing of GM Nico Harrison, and they could soon be looking to move on from some of their best players. As a result, the Knicks have the perfect replacement for Robinson, an athletic big man who can block shots and add size.
Center Daniel Gafford is more reliable health-wise, meaning that the Knicks wouldn't have to worry about whether or not he will be available. While he is definitely a useful player, the Mavs may want to get off his contract.
By trading Gafford for Robinson, they will be saving almost $40 million in the process. That makes it a potential win-win for both teams, but would either team actually consider doing the deal?
The New York Knicks must trade for Daniel Gafford ASAP
Although Gafford has 3 years remaining in his contract, he is making just $14.3 million on average during that span. That actually may save the Knicks money in the long term.
After all, they are usually paying Robinson to rehab, with him missing 120 games and counting over the last two-plus seasons. And were they to extend him, it would likely be for more than what he is making now, which is $12.9 million. Having Gafford locked in for the next three years on a cheap deal would likely save the Knicks a few million annually.
It would ensure that they have a reliable big man who can step in and contribute on both ends of the floor. This deal actually might work out for both teams, which would seemingly increase the chances of a trade getting done.
With Gafford likely to be available, the Knicks might have to contend with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Still, New York being able to offer a talented yet injured player on an expiring deal might appeal to the Mavericks given his potential re-trade value.
Overall, Robinson's injury history and inability to rely on him should motivate the Knicks to move on. As for the Mavericks, they may be willing to acquire him for Gafford, considering it would save them around $40 million, possibly making the proposed trade appealing to both sides.