There were a lot of rumors swirling for the New York Knicks before the trade deadline. All the rumors are usually just rumors but they pulled the trigger on one trade, Marcus Morris.
The Knicks were able to get a first-round pick for Morris as well as Maurice ‘Moe’ Harkless. That was the only trade for the Knicks. However, there was one trade that people internally within the organization wanted.
According to SNYs Ian Begley, here this gem of a trade. The Knicks would send Julius Randle, Dennis Smith Jr. and a future first-round pick to Charlotte. In return, they’d receive Terry Rozier and Malik Monk. This trade would’ve gotten Steve Mills fires for sure.
A lot of Knicks fans wanted to trade Randle because he didn’t fit the system. But after the Morris trade, he was the number one guy on offense.
This trade wouldn’t have be that bad if it wasn’t for the first-round pick. The Knicks finally have multiple first-round picks, no need to trade them away. That should be off the table entirely.
Rozier would’ve been the Knicks number one point-guard. Most likely, he’d be paired with RJ Barrett or even Elfrid Payton. Rozier would’ve gave the Knicks a scoring point guard with the ability to push the ball and distribute.
Monk, on the other hand, is consider to be a bust, by some. He could need a change of scenery but New York is not the place. There’s constant pressure to succeed, ask Kevin Knox. Monk has played well in the Garden when the Hornets come to town but nothing to suggest he’s a star.
Even if this trade went through, this wouldn’t improve the Knicks. The point guard position would be an upgrade but Monk for Randle is a downgrade. As much as Randle forces shots and is lazy on defense, he was averaging 19 points and 9 boards before the suspension. The New York Knicks made a smart decision by not pulling the trigger on this trade.