Its funny that Kyrie is used as the example when he was in the finals at the age of 22(under Lebron of course).
Knicks have Frank 18, Hardaway 25, KP 21, Willy 22. If they move Melo for Harkless and possibly a draft pick they would have 5 players 25 and younger.
Given their situation. If they waited 2 yrs, they can stretch Noah, move Lee for a shorter deal and free up a good chunk of cap space. They could also possibly add another lottery pick this coming season. Adding another young player to the mix under the age of 25-26. To go with Baker and Dotson if they prove to be contributors.
So in 2 years the Knicks could have cap flexibility and some solid pieces. They could then package future picks since they would have enough talent to fall back and their cap space(or player(s) that would eat into cap space when they need to be renewed) for a stud player to ADD to an already established group of players.
Again in 2 years, KP(23), Hardaway(27), Willy(24), Frank(20), maybe Baker(26) & Dotson(25), maybe Harkless(26) and future draft pick, 2018 lotto pick(20?), 2019 draft pick(20?). Cap space, and all our picks going forward.
With that type of flexibility.
They could then package future draft picks(Since we would have enough young talent) to pair with that cap flexibility for a star player to ADD to that group of players that have grown together over the last 2 yrs.
And or they can cherry pick trades of maybe Willy alone for a veteran that fits better & helps us win more right away.
Frank alone for a veteran that helps the team win right away(like when Dallas traded Harris for Kidd).
Harkless, Dotson and future draft pick for an upgrade somewhere.
Maybe trade that 2018 lotto pick at the draft for a stud player to ADD with the core group of players without sacrificing anyone from the core group or future picks.
Endless possibilities to build something.
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