A recent mock trade has the New York Knicks coming away as big winners at the expense of dealing All-Star Julius Randle.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a deal that would send Randle to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, and a pair of future second-round picks. Swartz propped up the return the Knicks would get by saying this in part (h/t Jeremy Brener of New York Knicks on SI):
“The Knicks need another center with Hartenstein gone, a role Gafford (11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 72.5 percent shooting) can serve as either a starter or reserve. Washington (12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks) is a solid rotation forward, and Hardy, 22, packs some scoring punch and potential off the bench.”
Knicks: Daniel Gafford could fill center void after his record-breaking 2023-24 season
Gafford would address a need the Knicks have at center. The 6-11 big man was the most efficient player in the entire league last season with his 72.5 percent field goal clip. He did so on 6.5 shot attempts per contest.
In addition to effectively cleaning the glass, the 25-year-old added 2.2 blocks to his rap sheet. Gafford is young, mobile and fits Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s mold in what he seeks after in a center. His effectiveness in the pick-and-roll would work wonders for All-Star Jalen Brunson’s game. Gafford even challenged Wilt Chamberlain’s 57-year-old record of 35 consecutive field goals made, falling short by two makes.
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P.J. Washington & Jaden Hardy would give the Knicks two promising playmakers
Washington would give the Knicks a power forward with a similar play style to Randle. The Kentucky native put up dialed in 1.8 threes per game last season for the Charlotte Hornets and Mavericks. Washington is a great threat from outside at the power forward position, having connected on 37 percent of his above-the-break three-point attempts. He also has untapped upside that could come to fruition in New York.
As for Hardy, the talented combo guard has had his moments under the sun when given the opportunity. In his rookie 2022-23 outing, he averaged an incredible 8.8 points in only 14.8 minutes of action. In five games as a starter, Hardy’s averages skyrocketed to 21.2 points, five rebounds and 3.2 assists. He carries a reputation of having microwave capabilities off of Dallas’s bench and could be the perfect backup option behind Brunson.
Adding two second-rounders to the deal only amplifies the attractiveness of the deal. The Knicks would get a favorable package for Randle. The deal would also allow Mikal Bridges to step into the No. 2 role in New York and could see OG Anunoby thrive with more touches in the offense.
Whether or not the Mavericks would want to put the ball-dominant Randle next to the ball-dominant Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would be the million-dollar question in this equation. Dallas’s offense would have three surefire 25 PPG performers and Randle would be able to compete for a championship in a No. 3 role that may suit him well. Regardless, the Knicks will continue to hear trade rumors and mock deals while the NBA world awaits their decision to trade Randle or not.
