New York Knicks: Would acquiring Collin Sexton move the needle?
Would acquiring Collin Sexton be the needle-moving upgrade that the New York Knicks desire?
After a season in which they made a return to the postseason, the New York Knicks are heading into the offseason with hopes of upgrading the roster and taking the next progressional step as a building franchise. That means making a needle-moving acquisition during the offseason.
The Knicks have plenty of flexibility as they both have cap space and a few assets that they could use to significantly upgrade the roster. One move that the team is reportedly exploring (subscription required) is a potential trade for Collin Sexton.
Sexton is coming off the best season of his career to date with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his third season in the league, Sexton averaged 24 points, four assists, and three rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
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The big question for the Knicks isn’t whether or not he would be worth the move. In theory, Sexton is a really good and productive player and would certainly help a team such as the Knicks. Although, the real question is whether or not it’s a move that would significantly move the needle for New York in terms of an upgrade.
Are the New York Knicks willing to put it all on Sexton’s shoulders?
Acquiring and then extending Sexton would likely mean that he would be the highest-paid player on the Knicks next season. For where the Knicks are in their build, I’m not sure if that’s the move they should be eyeing this offseason.
For as good as Sexton is, I’m not sure you want him to be the highest-paid player on a roster that you’re trying to build into a contender. It’s kind of the reason why the Cavs are hesitant to give him the max extension that he wants.
The Cavs don’t believe he’s that guy and that’s not a bad thing. Is Cleveland wrong? Perhaps. But I don’t think any NBA franchise, at this point in his career, believes Sexton should be a No. 1 option on a team. And giving him a max, especially from the Knicks’ standpoint, that’s exactly the message you would be conveying.
Without another correlating bigger move – perhaps targeting another big-name either via free agency or trade – I’m not sure this is a needle-moving transaction that the Knicks should be prioritizing.
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Sexton is a really good player and he’s just getting started at the age of 22, but if the Knicks truly want to take the next step in their progression, I’m not sure Sexton is the play during the offseason.