The New York Knicks should not give up picks for Masai Ujiri

May 29, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri answers questions during Media Day before the NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks prized possession this trade deadline/off-season aren’t players.  It’s a new team president that can help turn the organization around.

Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri is coveted by the Knicks owner.   There have been reports from Marc Stein that Adam Silver may be pushing that to happen.  However, there have been conflicting reports that is ‘100% false’.

Whether it’s true or false, the Knicks shouldn’t be giving up assets or picks to get him.  Yes, he’s a great team president and would be able to get the Knicks back on track.  But, his contract is up after the 2020-21 season.  Therefore, the Knicks don’t need to give up assets to get him, that is if he really wants to come to New York.

The Knicks could wait and give him a big contract unless he resigns with the Raptors.  It has been reported that Ujiri is “attracted” by the Knicks job and could try to maneuver his way there.  However, the Knicks owner doesn’t want to wait.  The team is currently looking for a new team president.

Agent over Ujiri?

The Knicks are currently looking to model their franchise after the Golden State Warriors and Los Angles Lakers.  Those two organizations hired top basketball executives out of the player agent ranks.  And that seems to be working well for both franchises.  The Warriors hired Bob Myers and the Lakers, Rob Pelinka.

It’s unsure if that will work for the Knicks but it’s better than the situation that they are currently in.  But, brighter days are coming with the parting of ways of former team president Steve Mills.

The New York Knicks finally have several first-round draft picks.  That is something that fans have’t been able to say for what seems like a long time.  Interim team president Scott Perry will be trying to save his job with this trade deadline.  He’ll be looking to acquire more picks/assets while dumping the veteran players.

With those picks that Perry could possibility get there’s no need to trade them away for Ujiri, if he does truly want to come to New York.  Only time will tell but the Knicks need to hit a home run with this president hire.