The Knicks need to make a serious move to fortify their bench and it needs to be something that is POSSIBLE. Therefore players like Clarkson that I’ve previously mentioned are not ideal due to their low efficiency are back on the table. In this case, the desire of Utah to get off his contract makes moving Kessler easier, something they don’t want to do. In return they get another young center in Richards who is on a similar 2 year deal to Kessler and gets some of the production back. The prize is McBride, who could start immediately and makes their shooting far more dangerous. Kolek and Dadiet both represent first round talents and we are loath to let them go. But a championship is literally all that matters. The picks aren’t a ton for Utah but with the 4 young players they are getting on cheap deals it’s arguable this is impossible for Utah to pass this up. The hornets eat a little salary me move on from Richards. If Mitch ever gets back to full strength, they win this entire deal lying down. Worst case scenario he never plays again….they get a mid level exception and They get 3 2nds for Richards. That’s far above his market right now.
As for the Knicks… we all know that their starting lineup is about as good as it gets if not the outright best in basketball right now. The bench is the issue. It’s either too limited, small, or young depending on the player.
This bench would be Payne/Clarkson/Shamet/Achiuwa/Kessler with sims,Hukporti, and Thibs favorite Gibson as deep frontcourt depth. This won’t scare anyone, but it’s filled with playoff veterans and now size and playmaking.
In my preferred iteration, this trade leads to a lineup change for the playoffs.
Starting: Brunson/Bridges/Anunoby/Towns/Kessler Bench: Payne/Clarkson/Shamet/Hart/Achiuwa.
The jazz get back 4 playable assets, no old veterans, and 3 picks to boot. The hornets either get a stud center and 3 picks or an injury exception and 3 picks. Huge win for them. Knicks get serious about fixing their bench. They may even go after a veteran, a now be able to afford him, on the buyout market after the trade deadline. Simmons being a unique option. Thoughts?