The New York Knicks are involved in an extensive discussion to shed salaries and recoup more assets and cap space this summer.
In the latest trade rumor, the Knicks have discussed a three-team trade with the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers involving veterans Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and potentially Cam Reddish.
Sources: The Lakers, Knicks and Raptors have discussed a 3-team trade.
Lakers get Cam Reddish and Alec Burks.
Knicks get Goran Dragic and draft picks.
Raptors get Talen Horton-Tucker and Nerlens Noel.
There’s also a chance Kendrick Nunn is added to the trade as talks continue
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 10, 2022
Since Reddish’s salary cannot be aggregated, the potential trade would be broken down into two separate deals.
The Reddish-Kendrick Nunn and a future pick will be treated separately in this scenario.
“With New York trading away three rotation players in the proposal, one potential hangup in the trade discussion centers on the draft pick compensation for the Knicks. Toronto discussed sending a first-round pick, and the Lakers discussed sending a second-round pick to the Knicks, HoopsHype has learned. As conversations continued, the Knicks sought additional draft compensation,” Michael Scotto wrote.
The Lakers have been reluctant to part with their 2027 first-round pick in any trade. So, a compromise could be an additional second-round pick from the Lakers going to the Knicks.
This 3-team trade works via 2 separate deals since Reddish salary can’t be aggregated. As per the report, the hangup is in the draft compensation the Knicks would be receiving from the Lakers. Lakers wanted only to part ways with a 2nd rounder. Knicks wanted more. https://t.co/gvd3SHNYH9 pic.twitter.com/zLqoITqWCK
— alder almo (@alderalmo) February 10, 2022
The Knicks used a heavily-protected first-round pick and Kevin Knox to acquire Reddish from the Atlanta Hawks.
Earlier reports suggest the Knicks would like to deal some of their veterans to open up a rotation spot for Reddish. There’s still a possibility that the Knicks would hold on to Reddish and just do the first part of this three-team trade which is shedding Noel and Burks’ salaries.
Dragic and the still injured Nunn are on expiring deals.
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst doubled down on the Knicks closing in on shaking up their lethargic roster.
“The Knicks are close on some deals. They’re looking to move one, two or three of the veterans. The Knicks are looking to have cap space this summer,” Windhorst said on ESPN Radio a few hours before the 3 p.m. Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Knicks have been linked to Dallas Mavericks’ point guard Jalen Brunson who should be their top free agent target unless the marquee names such as Bradley Beal (player option) and Zach LaVine (unrestricted) will not agree to extension with their current teams make themselves available. Other notable free agents this summer are Miles Bridges (unrestricted), Collin Sexton (restricted) and DeAndre Ayton (restricted).
Noel and Burks are owed a combined $19 million salary next season. Brunson has been reportedly seeking that salary range in his next deal. Dragic, a Mavericks target because of his close ties to Luka Doncic, could also be used in a potential sign-and-trade with Brunson this summer.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo