Knicks: You need size to get outta the East. You have to be able to match up with the likes of Embiid, Giannis, Porzingis, Mobley, Allen, Banchero, Carter Jr., Brook, Horford, and others. Lauri brings the size. His defense is not elite but versatile. And lets be honest he's just a better player than Barrett. Better shooter, rebounder, and scorer. NY still have elite perimeter defenders on the team with Quickley, Hart, and Grimes. Knicks also get a a backup Center who can stretch the floor since Robinson is hurt... again.
ALSO moving off of RJ Barrett clears about 8M of cap next season. They already have a good amount of cap before that... plus being in NY on a competitive team they should be a HOT FA market with a max space to give. The only must-resign guys are Quickley and one of Hartenstein or Olynyk imo.
Hawks: RJ Barrett is simply the better version of Hunter. Slightly better scorer and defender without the injury concern. Lmk if you think its an overpay. Its either drop the pick or drop Griffin add Mills. I just think with the Barrett, Johnson, and Bey you've got your forwards. Just draft a new Griffin. Hawks also get a backup PG who might actually play for them.
Jazz: Not only continue to add more FRPs to their treasure chest but get back really good pieces too that fit their team. They are not winning anything not now or later. By the time they MIGHT be competitive they are gonna have to pay Markkanen a max.
Knicks Roster: PG. Brunson
SG. Hart
SF. Markkanen
C. Hartenstein
Quickley
Divencezno
Grimes
Olynyk
Fournier
Sims
Jeffries
Windler
2024-25 Roster: PG. Brunson
SG. (Derozan? Klay? Near Max Slot)
SF. Markkanen
PF. Randle
C. Robinson
Quickley
Divencezno
Hart
Grimes
Fournier
Sims
(Vet Minimum)
Hawks Roster: PG. Trae
SG. Murray
SF. Barrett
PF. Johnson
C. Capela
Okungwu
Bey
Brogadanovic
Wesly Mathews
McBride
Mills
Garrison Mathews
Jazz: PG. George
SG. Clarkson
SF. Hunter
PF. Collins
C. Kessler
Sexton
THT
Agbaji
AJ Griffin
Fontechino
Hendricks
Dunn