The New York Knicks find themselves without a starting center as they head into the 2024-2025 season. To address this, they might consider facilitating a trade between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers to secure one.
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is buzzing after Stephen Curry removed the Warriors from his Instagram bio. If Curry and LeBron James decide to pursue a long-rumored team-up, a third team would be needed to make the deal happen.
Golden State would receive: Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, D’Angelo Russell.
Los Angeles would receive: Curry, Moses Moody.
New York would receive: Anthony Davis.
This trade would require first-round picks from both the Knicks and the Lakers. However, in a trade involving Curry and Davis, the Warriors would have their pick of the best available options. Davis would solidify New York’s center position for years to come and immediately elevate them to title contender status. He’s coming off his best season with the Lakers.
Davis played in 76 regular-season games — his most since 2017-2018 — and averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. However, his partnership with James is now four years removed from their sole championship.
Since their 2020 NBA Finals victory, the Lakers have a regular-season record of 165-153 and a 9-14 record in the playoffs. Los Angeles has struggled to rebuild a championship-caliber team around Davis and James. If they don’t believe that will change this season, it might be wise to sell high on Davis in exchange for Curry.
Why Would the Knicks Go All-In on Davis?
Davis could be the perfect fit for coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense. He has already been linked to the Knicks in the past. According to Fox Sports’ Craig Carton, Davis is highly regarded by the Knicks’ front office. On a June 24 episode of FS1’s “The Carton Show,” Carton mentioned that if the Knicks could acquire any player, it would be the Lakers’ star. “The New York Knicks, if they could make it happen, and figure it out, would like to add Anthony Davis to the roster,” Carton said. “That’s the guy they want more than any other player in the league.”
Davis is a two-way powerhouse, providing elite rim protection on defense and game-changing presence at the basket on offense. At 31, he seems to be in his prime, coming off his healthiest season in years. A Jalen Brunson-Davis pick-and-roll combination would put opposing defenses in a tough spot, and Davis’ career 29% three-point shooting would be an improvement over Robinson, who has yet to make a three-pointer in the NBA.
Why Would the Knicks Trade Randle?
Randle was the face of New York basketball before Jalen Brunson arrived. However, he has missed time in consecutive postseasons due to injuries. Now, he’s eligible for an extension as of August 3. With the recent acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks almost have an excess of starting-caliber players. Donte DiVincenzo, who set a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a season last year, is likely headed to the bench.
However, the Knicks have also lost Isaiah Hartenstein, last season’s starting center. His absence could be a significant blow to New York’s revamped roster. In 3,816 possessions with the starting center off the floor, the Knicks were outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions. While this may seem minor, the team’s offense and defense ranked in the 51st and 47th percentiles, respectively—mediocre at best. Thibodeau’s reluctance to use small-ball lineups also poses a challenge for next season’s strategy.
The Knicks deployed non-center lineups for just 32 possessions last season, a mere 0.004%.
With Randle’s extension uncertain and a clear need for a center, the Knicks should not shy away from the opportunity to address both issues in a blockbuster trade.