The plan for the New York Knicks has become apparent following the NBA draft, as new general manager Leon Rose looks to acquire draft picks and spend as little capital as possible. Clearly, he is setting the foundation for the future, developing his youth, and focusing on potential trade packages down the line.
The Knicks already followed a similar path with the Ed Davis trade, acquiring two 2023 second-round picks to consume his contract. The Knicks have plenty of cap space to do so, and being the garbage can for the rest of the NBA ultimately helps them down the road.
The latest rumor comes from Mark Stein, as the Knicks have emerged as a potential trade partner with the Los Angeles Lakers for JaVale McGee.
The Knicks have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Lakers in a JaVale McGee deal, league sources say, as LA explores its various options
If talks progress, New York would surely require at least one additional asset from the Lakers to take McGee into salary-cap space
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 22, 2020
McGee is currently on a two-year, $8.2 million deal, worth $4.2 million for the 2020–21 season. The Lakers are trying to get rid of his money and utilize it toward better and younger talent, as McGee doesn’t offer the offensive support they require. At 32 years old, he played in 68 games last year, averaging 6.6 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
McGee has never been an offensive powerhouse, but as a reserve center behind Mitchell Robinson, he can pair with Ed Davis and compete for reps. At 7-foot and 270 pounds, he’s a tall veteran who could bring essential experience in the locker room and help the youngsters grow.
Clearly, this move is meant to gain draft capital and nothing more for the Knicks, so we can fully expect them to continue doing the same as they acquire pics for the future.