If you guys couldn't tell I like Poetl a lot because he is pretty similar to iHart in his ability to space the floor without being a shooter.

Context that allows this trade to happen

Knicks: team is very good, but they end up closing more games without Randle on the court, to no fault of Randles own, but a lineup of Brunson, Donte, Mikal, Og, and Mitch is just so damn good. This makes Randle more expendable.

Hornets: The team is FINALLY healthy. Lamelo is playing at an all star level, Brandon Miller has taken a leap, and Mark Williams is playing like he can. they are in the playin and only a couple games out of a playoff spot. They decide their window is a lot sooner than one may have thought.

Raptors: Outside the play in, either Barnes doesn't take that big leap or the trio of Iq, Rj, and Barnes, paired with Poetl as a center just doesn't work too well with the inside nature of 3 of these 4 players. they want assets.

My reasoning behind each move

Knicks: As said before, Randle just isn't that guy they need anymore. Sure his offense is very valuable, but hes a subpar defender and the offense is good enough without him, while the defense excels without him. Poetl is an iHart like center who will be a good player to split minutes with Mitch or take a heavier load when Mitch is inevitably injured. Grant Williams is a really good player who had a shitty time on the Mavs but has been good on the Hornets. He shoots the ball well and can guard 3-5 despite his shorter frame(hes thickk) and will be a great backup at the 4 or be able to start given injuries.

Hornets: Fuck it we ball. Lineup = Lamelo, Josh Green(defense), Brandon Miller, Randle, and Mark Williams, while Miles Bridges returns to a 6 man where he played really great. This lineup is big and long which should cover for the general lack of defensive talent outside of Green and Mark and the loss of Cody. IF HEALTHY, big if, I genuinely think this team can compete for a playoff spot and cause some noise, and with brandon miller progression cause some serious noise in a year or 2.

Raptors: Not a great return, Cody is a good vet with upside if he develops a shot that can be a good player to backup a guy like RJ who really needs to become a solid defender. Sims and KBD are throw ins though Sims can give some center minutes and help the tank. That first has the potential to be very valuable if the Hornets don't work out as they hope.

Out of my collection of trades, this is the best return for the Knicks so far while the wrost return for the Raptors, so if you INSIST give the Raptors that second first here and give the knicks 2 seconds.