GustavBahler wrote:MaTT4281 wrote:GustavBahler wrote:MaTT4281 wrote:GustavBahler wrote:Lets say the Pels flame out in the playoffs. If Zion wants to get traded to NY. This would be the offseason to do it. Randle is posting elite numbers. Still young. Im guessing it would take Randle/Mitch and a couple of unprotected first rounders. Maybe a second as well. Not to play down the amazing season Randle ia having. But if Zion wants to be a Knick, have to try and make it happen. Sooner rather than later, if he wants out. Odd he spoke now. This early.
After this season, Zion's still got 3 years left.
I don't know how either team could justify making that trade right now. For NO, obvious reasons. Zion being viewed as their franchise player and making amends for the Anthony Davis fiasco.
On NY's side, Randle has built up too much goodwill to ship him off now. The way he worked himself into an all-star, setting the tone for this team and winning back a fanbase who had written him off. What do players think around the league as they watch this unfold and see NY ship him out the same year?
2 years left after this season, then an RFA. Zion and Luka, are the two players you drop all future plans, to try to make a deal happen. Sentimentality goes out the window when a multi-generational player wants to be traded to your team. You dont even think twice when they arent even close to their prime yet, but already putting up superstar numbers. Thats how you win championships.
You dont let opportunities like this pass. If in fact there is one. Not suggesting it is a fact. Only saying if Zion wants out early, wants to be traded to NY. You do what it takes to make it happen. Short of trading his wingman RJ.
I'm not in that camp. I don't see Zion having a long and successful NBA career. Man is a load, no doubt, but that's a lot of weight and pressure on those knees. I think he'll continue to get all-star nods, maybe a few seasons over 60 games, but I see a lot of risk.
My own skepticism aside, if NO approaches you with the offer, it's one thing. If you go to NO with the offer, which you have to expect 99.99% will be rejected, AND then it leaks that you were shopping your self-made cornerstone - you've just shot yourself in the foot PR and chemistry wise. There's not a play here, certainly not this year or next.
Have to agree to disagree. Dont believe Zion is predestined for an injury riddled career. We were willing to take a gamble on KP. Who had better odds of becoming that type of player, wasnt nearly as good.
Passing on Zion (if he asked to be traded to NY) would be the biggest mistake in franchise history.
They took a chance on Porzingis because it cost a draft pick. Zion will currently cost you your all star, another asset, draft picks, and major money down the line.
Currently Zion is not remarkable better than Randle on what he does best. Randle is currently a better defender, 3 pt shooter, and passer. Not to mention the leader and heart of this team.
And Zion isn't predestined for an injury riddled career, but I personally believe he needs to make major physical changes (and even changes to his game) to have a long injury free career.
4/19/2021 5:55 PM