martin wrote:

Knixkik wrote:
I’ll say this: if the Knicks made a deal for Washington at the deadline and Washington was working to retool, a deal that makes a lot of sense is Toppin, Reddish and Washingtons pick back for Kuzma. But the Knicks would have to be sure they can resign Kuzma and he would be happy with whatever role is planned. Maybe a super 6th man with the starting lineup currently clicking?

Also one thing to note; rose used to represent Kuzma.

Man you like to give 1st round picks away in trades for players that will be UFA, smart teams just don’t take those types of risks

If the trade is not with RJ, then it makes no sense. You cannot trade for Kuzma just to have him play behind RJ and Randle. Articles say that Kuzma is actually a solid defender and he has the size of a true SF. RJ is undersized for a SF. We can debate whether Kyle Kuzma is a better player than RJ; however, there can be no question that RJ starts every season in a slump. This is the third season that has occurred and it makes me start to wonder whether we are better off with Kyle Kuzma at SF as opposed to having to continue dealing with RJs’ helter skelter game. But I only do this deal if it is for RJ because I’m not paying Kuzma 20+ million dollars to be a bench player. RJ has played better the last two or three games, and if history follows form then he’ll keep getting better until the end of the season. However does that mean he’s going to start next season sucking again? That’s the real question.

Philc1 wrote:

gradyandrew wrote:Ug. Why would Minnesota make that trade? Are we planning on sending out draft picks?

Which stars are available and which ones would you trade for?

I think the two best targets are Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler. I don't think Davis gets moved because he's playing at such a high level, but maybe Miami pivots away from Butler's timeline. I think a squad of Jimmy JB and Randle gets New York pretty close to contention over the next 3 seasons.

I don’t want any part of Davis. He’s fools gold. He will be constantly injured here

Fans not clamoring to “Trade him while his stock is high”? Or thats just reserved for Randle as if other teams are not in on our “Secret?

Minny is starting to Gel. Its not crazy to think after 30 games a team needs time with new pieces and roles for players. They are 13-15. Not terrible at all. Russell is an expiring.

Pass

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/hmfaigen/status/1603842164798001154

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/Faazzla/status/1603862479553060901

wargames wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

fishmike wrote:Kuzma.... He's just ok. Volume scorer, average at best defender. Stop gap player until we looked for a better replacement.

Pass

I’m not interested in him as a stopgap. I want him as a 6th man. Knicks need a 6th man who is a combo forward that can spell minutes for RJ and Randle without missing a beat. I’m not messing with the starting lineup for anything less than a Jaylen brown level or better player. They are just really playing too well. It’s ironic because the bench was always the strength and the starting lineup wasn’t, but now if rose, reddish and Fournier aren’t playing because thibs is just sticking with guys who fit his specific system, than I want to find a player who can run the second unit and fill in the gaps when guys inevitably miss time. As great as this team is playing, it seems like they can’t sustain any time missed from a starter. It doesn’t have to be Kuzma but someone like him. But no way is the team actively trying to add Kuzma to start over Randle, RJ or Grimes. That wouldn’t make any sense. It’s not an upgrade.

On the low you’re advocating from Toppin to be moved. It’s out there but a Reddish and Toppin for Kuzma trade isn’t insane if the idea is to add him as a combo forward to play behind RJ and Randle. A lot of it depends on what this team thinks is Obi’s ceiling. Randle playing well with Obi out the rotation so he doesn’t have to worry about being replaced is notable.

I definitely don’t want to just get rid of Toppin. But we do need to be realistic. Toppin is stuck behind Randle, who is playing well, and thibs will never play them together for more than a few minutes. If Randle sucks, maybe they dump him. But they know the best Randle is always going to be a keeper here, especially since his chemistry with Brunson is building. As for Toppin, he’s due for an extension this summer. If Randle keeps it up, is that really happening ? Wouldn’t the Knicks find a forward who can play more positions more useful? My preference is to keep Toppin and have him develop into a good player. I always envisioned he and quickley dominating together as the 2nd unit leaders forever. But I’m thinking about what the team fit will be and I don’t see it. Kuzma is a really good player, young-ish, and fills multiple roles on this team. But Leon rose has to say here’s the money you want but you’re coming off the bench.

Knixkik wrote:

gradyandrew wrote:No trades until we see how this new rotation works out. Probably by the time of the Philly game there will be enough of a track record to see if we need to make any improvements. As is, the starters are playing at an elite level.

Agreed. I’m not touching the starters. I’m looking for a 6th man.

We would be looking at a 9 man rotation of

Starter
Brunson
Grimes
RJ
Randle
Mitch

Bench
McBride
IQ
Kuzma
Hart

With Sim acting as a safety valve for two defensive centers who could get into foul trouble any night.

That is actually a really strong bench, plus Kuzma could help lower RJ and Randles minutes which are both pushing 40 with Toppin and Reddish out the rotation. Also for safety/depth reason we would still have Fournier and Rose. Even though Kuzma wants 20 Mil that is probably the same or or not much more than it would cost to keep Reddish and Obi. If it works out this team has the talent to make a legit playoff run.

The draft is wing heavy too so there would have room to grab another wing next year too if they wanted additional depth.

wargames wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

gradyandrew wrote:No trades until we see how this new rotation works out. Probably by the time of the Philly game there will be enough of a track record to see if we need to make any improvements. As is, the starters are playing at an elite level.

Agreed. I’m not touching the starters. I’m looking for a 6th man.

We would be looking at a 9 man rotation of

Starter
Brunson
Grimes
RJ
Randle
Mitch

Bench
McBride
IQ
Kuzma
Hart

With Sim acting as a safety valve for two defensive centers who could get into foul trouble any night.

That is actually a really strong bench, plus Kuzma could help lower RJ and Randles minutes which are both pushing 40 with Toppin and Reddish out the rotation. Also for safety/depth reason we would still have Fournier and Rose. Even though Kuzma wants 20 Mil that is probably the same or or not much more than it would cost to keep Reddish and Obi. If it works out this team has the talent to make a legit playoff run.

The draft is wing heavy too so there would have room to grab another wing next year too if they wanted additional depth.

This is exactly what I’m going for. That 9 and find a nice wing in the middle first round as a development piece. Gradey Dick, whitehead, kris Murray, Hendricks. A ton of wing options in that range. And the primary 9 man rotation would be really nice. I love Obi but as we see what this rotation looks like, it’s clear we need a forward like Kuzma who can play both forward positions and carry the offense for stretches. For as well as the Knicks are playing, they lack that player. Knicks would just need to verify his asking price and if he’s ok coming off the bench long term if he gets his money.

wargames wrote:

Alpha1971 wrote:If we want to trade for Kuzma then trade for OG too. Flexible two way rotation with size. Trade IQ, Obi, future picks and contracts. Mitch, Randle, OG, Grimes, Brunson Bench Simms, RJ, Kuzma, Deuce in the rotation. We have tons of pics even after the trades for OG and Kuzma to add more depth and mid level exception and the other exceptions. That team would have size, two way players and shooting

The difference between OG is I don’t think Masai is shopping him and if he is it will be expensive and Toronto would probably not want to trade him in the division to the Knicks. Toronto really wants to trade for another Kawhi. They may have missed their chance to trade Scottie Barnes for KD, but they are holding out to try again.

Basically OG would be great but Kuzma is available.

Yeah Kuzma isn’t as good but he’s available and will be significantly cheaper.

Knixkik wrote:

fishmike wrote:Kuzma.... He's just ok. Volume scorer, average at best defender. Stop gap player until we looked for a better replacement.

Pass

I’m not interested in him as a stopgap. I want him as a 6th man. Knicks need a 6th man who is a combo forward that can spell minutes for RJ and Randle without missing a beat. I’m not messing with the starting lineup for anything less than a Jaylen brown level or better player. They are just really playing too well. It’s ironic because the bench was always the strength and the starting lineup wasn’t, but now if rose, reddish and Fournier aren’t playing because thibs is just sticking with guys who fit his specific system, than I want to find a player who can run the second unit and fill in the gaps when guys inevitably miss time. As great as this team is playing, it seems like they can’t sustain any time missed from a starter. It doesn’t have to be Kuzma but someone like him. But no way is the team actively trying to add Kuzma to start over Randle, RJ or Grimes. That wouldn’t make any sense. It’s not an upgrade.