**Knicks Trade Proposal: Mitchell Robinson for 2020 NBA Champion**
The futures of Mitchell Robinson and the New York Knicks are uncertain, especially with starter Isaiah Hartenstein headed for free agency. If Hartenstein re-signs, Robinson’s future with the Knicks becomes questionable.
One potential scenario involves trading Robinson to the Chicago Bulls:
– **Knicks receive:** Alex Caruso
– **Bulls receive:** Mitchell Robinson
This player-for-player swap would bring Caruso, a 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers and a quintessential Tom Thibodeau player, to New York. Caruso averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game last season.
Chicago, aiming to retain its core players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, would benefit from Robinson’s defensive skills. Robinson, who missed 50 games due to a left ankle injury, could compete for the starting job over veteran Nikola Vucevic.
Robinson’s absence allowed Hartenstein to emerge as a better fit for the Knicks’ offense, further complicating Robinson’s role. If needed, the Knicks could sweeten the deal with one of their two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft (24th and 25th selections).
Knicks’ Trade Strategy and Player Availability
Ian Begley of SNY suggests that nearly any Knicks player, except Jalen Brunson, could be available for the right trade, possibly including a move for Karl-Anthony Towns. Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that while the Knicks are not actively trying to trade Julius Randle, they acknowledge that acquiring a star might require it.
Knicks’ Roster Needs
To bolster their bench, the Knicks need better ball-handling and playmaking, particularly from a backup point guard. With Jalen Brunson off the floor, the Knicks struggled offensively in the playoffs, highlighting this need. Potential free-agent targets include Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Tyus Jones, with Jones being the best fit due to his assist-to-turnover ratio and recent performance.
However, the Knicks’ ability to sign a top free agent like Jones is uncertain, given their financial constraints. They primarily have the non-taxpayer’s midlevel exception, which was $12.4 million for the 2023-2024 season, with the amount for 2024-2025 yet to be determined.
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