The reality is simple for the New York Knicks: Cam Reddish’s acquisition is not going to make them a legitimate playoff contender. That is not a knock on Reddish since he’s a good player with plenty of potential, but he is nowhere near the star New York needs to propel them into a contention spot.
Power forward Julius Randle signed a four-year, $117 million extension this past off-season but has been inconsistent this year after posting career numbers in 2021.
On the season, Randle is averaging 19.1 points, five fewer than last season, 10.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and he’s shooting a measly 31% from three-point range, down 10%. The Knicks simply can’t sustain success with their perceived star player taking such a massive step in the wrong direction statistically.
However, there is a small window that could draw the Knicks to Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, De’Aaron Fox’s name is starting to percolate in potential trade talks:
“De’Aaron Fox’s name is circulating throughout the league as a big-time player who can potentially be moved by the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline.”
Fox is an incredible talent at 24 years old out of Louisiana. This season, he’s averaging 20.9 points, 5.1 assists, and is shooting 45.7% from the field. While Fox isn’t known for his three-point shooting, averaging just 25% this year, he is an electrifying score from inside the arc.
The five-year NBA veteran scores 51.5% of his points in the paint, 11.6% off turnovers, and 11.9% on fast breaks. In fact, pairing him with a transition scorer like Obi Toppin might be electrifying and helpful in his development.
Nonetheless, for the Knicks to acquire a player like Fox, they would need to build a blockbuster haul.
As per Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee, Fox is being included in talks with the Indiana Pacers for Demontas Sabonis, meaning he could be available for other teams at the right price.
If Sacramento is only willing to listen to Indiana if Sabonis is involved, Knicks president Leon Rose would have to construct a deal that fits the King’s youth movement.
A package that includes Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Kemba Walker, 2022 1st round pick, 2024 1st round pick should be enough to grab the attention away from Indiana and look at New York. Sacramento would gain two young players with incredible potential given the proper development, a veteran point guard to help sustain leadership, and multiple first-round picks to sweeten the deal. In fact, some may view this as an overpay from the Knicks, but Fox would change the team’s dynamic, offering facilitation and elite scoring traits paired with Randle and RJ Barrett.
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”jd1ajrg225″ question=”What do you think?” opened=”0″]What type of deal would you offer Sacramento if the Knicks were considering making a run at Fox? [/wpdiscuz-feedback]