The Knicks had a great mid-December with the NBA Cup win but have since struggled in the games after. Their lack of depth at center and a lack of a good point of attack defender outside of Deuce (who only just got back) has really hurt them on the defensive end. Still, there's a lot of positives as Kolek has firmly established himself as the backup PG, Diawara has started hitting shots and looks solid on defense and Hukporti continues to look solid. Still, the nights when Mitch is sitting (not to mention KAT) have been pretty rough. They've also missed Hart, who was playing really well until he got hurt, even fringe All-Star level. The point of attack defense has looked rough whenever Deuce isn't on the floor and teams have exploited that and the Knicks are allowing way too many points. This trade attempts to address both the point of attack defense and the center depth, read more below!

Wizards: After a rough beginnning to December, the Wizards have put together some solid games, and it's looking like they really have something with their young prospects. They're not going to contend anytime soon, but after some rough years, I think there's a lot to look forward with for these Wizards. Since they've started to look better, and move up the standings (not too much, but if it continues, they could go up in a weak East) and their chances of losing their FRP if they drop out of the top 8 are increasing. I'm definitely exxagerating, but the big question is if the Wizards front office is comfortable with that risk. Plus, I do think that building good habits is a big part of any rebuild, and teams that get into the habit of losing face a tougher road (look at the Hornets, who've just looked terrible for a long time). As players, Yabu and Dadiet have zero to negative value at present. But Yabu's salary is a nice number for trade aggregations and he'd have more room to play like he did for the Sixers last year (and rebuild his value) on the Wizards than on the Knicks. Dadiet has also been a non-factor but is under salary for 3 seasons and is only 20 years old. The Wizards can afford to take on a project as they have tons of cap space and are embracing the rebuild. The biggest part of the trade is the picks. As I've said, they wouldn't have to worry about conveying that FRP (and the second rounders they lose if it doesn't convey this year do have a good amount of value) and they get 3 other second rounders, including a 2032 SRP when the Knicks project to be worse. Losing Champagnie would be rough, as he's been playing well, is under contract for 3 more seasons. And while Bagley has also been playing well, he's only on a 1 year minimum, so I'm not sure he was part of their long term plan. In the end though, it all comes back to those picks. Hopefully they're enough.

Knicks: As I said above, Yabu and Dadiet have been nonfactors this season and with Yabu's salary and roster spot, that's especially hurt. Champagnie and Bagley have both been productive this year and Champagnie in particular adds a good 3 point shooter, a good rebounder and a good defender. He could definitely help with the point of attack defense and he gives them a real and more reliable option as a backup wing than Diawara (or McCullar). Bagley gives them some frontcourt help when injuries are a factor and while he's not a good defender, he can rebound and shoot well. It's really about having that peace of mind when KAT and Mitch are hurt or in foul trouble. Champagnie is the real prize though, and I'd feel much better being able to plug him into the second unit. Plus, they add a player who's under contract for a cheap price for several seasons, which is important as they're probably going to cross the second apron this offseason. They also leave one roster spot open if they decide to take a look at the buyout market (probably for a PG) or to convert McCullar to a standard contract. The depth chart would have a solid 10 players who could play significant minutes with 2 young players who have proven they deserve game time too in Diawara and Hukporti. And that's not even counting Hart who was starting before his injury and Shamet who had cemented his place in the second unit. Their depth would be a great strength and one that allows Brown to continue experimenting but also to keep the players fresh for a (hopefully) championship run.

Starters: Brunson, Deuce, Bridges, Anunoby, KAT

2nd Unit: Kolek, Clarkson, Champagnie, Bagley, Mitch

Bench: Diawara, Hukporti

Injured: Hart (possible starter), Shamet (solid part of rotation)