NBA Trades: The Knicks upgrade frontcourt in potential deal with the Hawks

NBA Trades: Would the Knicks accept this deal?

On paper, New York has almost everything it needs to compete for a title. They have a superstar in Jalen Brunson, an all star forward in Julius Randle, and have depth at the wing spot in DiVencenzo, Hart, Bridges, and Anunoby. However, with Hartenstein gone, they have a hole in their frontcourt. Yes, Mitchell Robinson has been a productive rebounder and rim protector throughout his career, but his durability is a question.

Robinson has missed 74 games over the past two seasons and has dealt with ankle issues for almost his entire career. A big man with lower leg issues as he gets older is not what the Knicks need. Especially with Hartenstein gone, how much confidence is there in Robinson that he can survive a full regular season and a potential deep playoff run? 

Capela might be slightly more expensive than Robinson salary wise and only has one year left on his contract, but he has been more durable throughout his career. He has played less than 63 games only once in a full season in his career and has averaged a double double each of the last six seasons.

Capela offers a lot as a lob threat, rebounder, and rim protector, which is what New York lost in Hartenstein. Bringing him in to replace Robinson as the starting center is a no-brainer, especially considering that this team is ready to win now and they need to maximize their window with the Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference. They would likely accept this deal.