Report: This Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks trade features De’Aaron Fox and Kemba Walker. Is Fox the answer to New York’s struggles?
This season, the New York Knicks have been one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference despite their resurrection season last year. The Knicks currently have a record of 15-18 while sitting as the 11th seed. Despite many more games left in the season, the Eastern Conference is loaded with competent teams as 13 organizations are trying to compete for the playoffs.
For the Knicks to improve this season, a change to their roster should be considered. According to a report written by Mark Nilon of Fansided Sports, he references a trade with the Sacramento Kings that would change the entire image of the Knicks organization.
Sacramento receives- Kemba Walker, Obi Toppin, Alec Burks, 2022 top-three protected first-round pick, 2023 first-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks and a 2022 second-round pick.
New York receives- De’Aaron Fox.
In the last 30 years, the Knicks have attempted to search for an All-Star calibre point guard. From Stephon Marbury to Kemba Walker, the Knicks have tried to find their franchise point guard for decades through trades and drafting players but have yet to find their true point guard. In completing this trade, the Knicks secure an All-Star calibre point guard in Fox for many seasons while keeping their young core. However, how does this trade benefit the Kings?
The proposed trade by Nilon is a bit lopsided. Although the draft picks are helpful for their future, the players in this transaction do not nearly reflect the talent of Fox. More would need to be added as a couple of draft picks for the Kings to accept a trade for their best player, as one young asset is not enough!
Kemba Walker is no longer the same All-Star calibre point guard as he once was. However, Walker is still a valuable asset to have as he brings veteran experience to any team.
The Kings and Knicks have been mediocre this season and should consider making a significant change to their roster. When assessing this trade, only one team dramatically improves while the other team attains solid assets but nothing that would make a substantial difference. The Knicks should aim to complete a trade with the Kings before the deadline, as the duo of Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox has been an awkward fit. However, Nilon’s article’s trade proposal does not reflect the talent, and potential Fox has in the NBA. Last season, Fox averaged 25.2 PPG, 7.2 APG, 3.5 RPG and 1.5 SPG on excellent efficiency. Although Fox has yet to average anything near those numbers this season, he is still having a solid season. Fox is currently averaging 21 PPG, 5 ASP, 3.8 RPG and 1.3 SPG.
If the Knicks want to trade for Fox, they would need to include Immanuel Quickley in any trade as he is a young guard with potential. New York needs a reliable point guard, and Fox could be the answer to what they are missing. From his elite playmaking to explosive athleticism, the duo of Fox and Julius Randle has the potential to be one of the best duos in the Eastern Conference.
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