The New York Knicks are in an interesting position.
They were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference in 2021 but missed the playoffs in 2022.
Currently, they are 11-13 and tied with the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards for the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson form a talented group of players who should compete for the playoffs.
That being said, no one sees them as a real threat to make it out of the first round (even if they make the NBA Playoffs).
I think they should trade for five-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan (who’s on the Chicago Bulls).
Why?
For starters, the Bulls don’t seem to be going anywhere this season.
They have an extremely talented roster with DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, but they continue to play without star point guard Lonzo Ball. (who had surgery during the offseason).
After making the NBA playoffs last season for the first time since 2017, they are 9-14 in their first 23 games and the 12th seed in the East.
DeRozan is averaging 25.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, but he’s also 33 years old.
If they don’t make the playoffs this season, they should try to trade him for future assets.
Meanwhile, the Knicks could use a player like DeRozan to propel them into the top six in the conference.
DeRozan in a backcourt with Brunson would be an exciting duo and also help Randle get back to playing like an All-Star.
The Knicks have many ways to make salaries work (DeRozan currently earns $27.3 million).
They could also send them a young player and drafts.
A hypothetical trade between the two teams could be a win-win for both parties.
Madison Square Garden is the most famous arena in the NBA, and when the Knicks play well, they have one of the best home advantages in the league.
DeRozan might be the real star they need to excite the fan base.
