NBA Rumors: New York Knicks willing to absorb big contracts for assets
Heading into the offseason, the New York Knicks are expected to be one of the most active teams in the trade market. They’ve already been linked to targeting a point guard, potentially moving up or down in the NBA Draft, and are now reportedly indicating that they’re willing to take on bad contracts in exchange for young players or draft assets.
"[via SNY TV]A note on the offseason: several teams said the Knicks are open to using their cap space to take on undesirable contracts via trade, SNY has learned."
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"The Knicks would presumably acquire another draft pick and young player in this kind of trade. New York has the No. 8, No. 27 and No. 38 picks in the draft."
The Knicks are reportedly interested in adding a veteran point guard, should they not be able to land one of the top guards in the 2020 NBA Draft. Selecting eighth overall, it’s unlikely that the Knicks would be able to get their hands on one of the top guard prospects.
Short of moving up in the draft (they reportedly like LaMelo Ball), players like Chris Paul, Ricky Rubio, or one of the veteran free-agent point guards would have to be in play. However, short of landing one of them, it would make sense for New York to pivot the other direction.
In this case, that would equate to absorbing contracts that opposing teams are trying to get off its books in exchange for a young player or draft assets. It’s often a tactic that could help a rebuild, something that the Knicks are knee-deep in, and one that this team should be taking this offseason.
In an offseason where not many teams have cap space heading into free agency (with potentially the salary cap falling due to what transpired during the 2019-20 season), this is where the Knicks could emerge as big winners.
New York could take advantage of a desperate team and add an asset that would’ve been otherwise unavailable. The Knicks might want to build a team that could potentially make the playoffs next season, but they might be better off taking another small step this summer instead.
The New York Knicks are certainly a team to keep an eye on heading into the offseason. They could be the ultimate wild cards.