The New York Knicks saw two role players in their backcourt ascend in 2023-24, and add another one with the same potential to the mix this summer in a recent mock trade.
Knicks land solid young guard in mock trade
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley concocted a deal where the Knicks sent Mitchell Robinson to the Golden State Warriors in a deal centered around Moses Moody, alongside Gary Payton II and protected future first-round pick, saying this about the exchange (h/t Jonathan Adams of Heavy Sports):
“See where this is headed? The Knicks have tangible proof they can win big without Robinson, so maybe they aren’t keen on keeping his $14.3 million salary on their books. The Warriors, who could be angling for more size, could give New York an out with Robinson while sending back a bulldog defender in Payton, a young three-and-D wing in Moody, and a lightly protected future first-round pick to help reel in a bigger fish at a later date,” Buckley wrote.
Moses Moody can take the next step in New York
Moody is a talented scorer that has been trapped behind future Hall-of-Famers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Payton II as well as former Warrior and current Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo in his three-year tenure in Golden State. However, he’s shown a great ability to stay ready, make the most of his minutes, and show out when given a green light.
The Arkansas native scored in double figures 25 times in 2023-24, scoring a season-high 21 points in 31:57 of action against the Los Angeles Clippers on De. 2, 2023. Moody also shoots well considering the nature in which he sees the floor on a nightly basis. He connected on 46.2 percent of his field goals in the regular season and 47.6 percent a year prior. His 36-minute averages of 16.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals forecast what he can be in an expanded role.
Moody has boom potential and could give the Knicks a young talent that can emerge similar to the way DiVincenzo and Miles McBride did on the campaign.
Knicks can fortify their backcourt with two-way backup PG
Meanwhile, Payton would give the Knicks one of the best pure on-ball defenders in the league. He would fit right in with the Knicks and head coach Tom Thibodeau’s identity. The son of Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton averaged 1.1 steals per contest since 2020-21 and is capable of catching fire on catch-and-shoot looks from distance in big matchups.
Though Robinson led the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game in 2023-24, his lengthy injury coupled with New York’s success without him in the lineup has only heightened the prospects of him being expendable. Robinson has only played in 90 of 164 regular season games in the last two years, further accentuating the precedent for the Knicks to look to move off of his $14.3 million salary for next season and the $12.95 million he’s owed the year after.
The draft pick included in the deal adds to the Knicks’ full pot of selections over the next half-decade. The only downside to this deal would be if Isaiah Hartenstein walks in free agency. He could see north of $100 million in the open market. Should New York lose both of their centers, they’ll be left with Precious Achiuwa as their main five-man and Jericho Sims behind him. Nonetheless, Moody is a player for the Knicks to keep tabs on.