Can the knicks be better with a trio of Markkanen, RJ and Jalen compared to the current trio?

Jimbo5 wrote:The main prize of last year's Donavan Mitchel trade, will the knicks be able to pry him away from Utah? Offensively he will fit better in the roster than Randle. I dont think Utah has any interest in Randle.i know Lauri hasn't been made available in trade but can the knicks dangle a huge enough carrot to make Danny Ainge bite?

Can the knicks be better with a trio of Markkanen, RJ and Jalen compared to the current trio?

Agree 100% about the fit and have proposed a lot of Randle for Lauri back before he went to Utah. I realize it would cost more then it probably should - but I truly believe if he stays healthy he would be the ideal fit and we wouldn't have to make as many significant adjustments with the remaining players/roster. Could we find a 3 way trade to add Fournier - even if it costs us some draft capital?

You could live with RJ not being a great outside shooter because his role would change playing around Lauri. RJ wouldn't stand at the 3pt line as much - he's go back to more slashing and kicking. Lauri doesn't seem iso-heavy and he makes quicker decisions. He's not anywhere as tough as Randle but he is long and playing next to Mitch we wouldn't suffer as much defensively IMO.

This is the move to make as long as it's not ridiculously unreasonable for cost

Mitch (Hart,Sims)
Lauri (Obi)
RJ (Hart)
Grimes (IQ)
Brunson (McBride)

MaTT4281 wrote:1) I don't believe Randle for Markkanen makes us better. I get we want to stretch the floor, but Randle's still the better player. (Now if only we could get him shooting like it's 2021!)
2) Ainge. Can only imagine what sort of unholy deal he'd demand.
3) Phil was right. KP for Lauri!

Is that true? Would most GM's trade Randle for Lauri straight up? Not sure what the answer is but it's actually very close stat-wise...

Similar in scoring and steals
Randle better rebounder and assist maker (although offense not run through Lauri), has been to playoffs
Lauri better shooting % in all areas, better blocks, less fouls and turnovers

Julius Randle
GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
77 35.5 46.0 34.3 75.7 10.0 4.1 0.3 0.6 3.0 2.8 25.1 (regular season)
10 33.0 37.4 25.8 70.9 8.3 3.6 0.3 0.5 2.4 3.5 16.6 (playoffs)
595 31.7 47.0 33.6 74.5 9.4 3.6 0.4 0.7 3.1 2.8 18.7 (career)

Lauri Markkanen
GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
66 34.4 49.9 39.2 87.5 8.6 1.9 0.6 0.6 2.1 1.9 25.6 (regular season)
- - - - - - - - - - - - (playoffs)
348 30.6 45.5 37.1 85.8 7.1 1.4 0.5 0.7 1.9 1.4 17.3 (career)

I really think he would fit/complement better without sacrificing much of the production (eg in contrast to the Obi-Randle debate). Best part for me is Lauri playing more outside would open up the court for others and give RJ a different role that I believe he would likely thrive in... he can catch and shoot, doesn't hold the ball and offers additional length to our frontcourt.