Now that it's after December 15th, trade season is truly upon us. The Knicks just won the NBA Cup but are aiming higher, the NBA Championship. To do that, they need to make sure they hit on their player acquisitions and there's two players not making an impact: Yabu and Dadiet. It was telling that Yabu didn't get any minutes in the NBA Cup final and Dadiet barely gets any at all. Plus, even in the Pacers game, Yabu didn't see a ton of time but players like Diawara and Jemison did and were arguably more impactful. I love Yabu's story and his grit but he's just not a good fit for Mike Brown's system. Hopefully a move can work for both sides. Team by team below.
Raptors: Starting with the Raptors, rumor has it that Agbaji is on the way out and that the Raptors want to duck the tax. They're reportedly willing to trade with the Suns for Nick Richards and will send around 2 second round picks as well. Why not get a second round pick instead plus a cheap young prospect. As I alluded to above, Dadiet is not much of an asset, BUT he is the prototype for a 3 and D wing (right now not too great in either) and is only 20 years old and under contract for 3 seasons. The Raptors have done a good job developing young players and would hope to do so. The Knicks may need to send one more second rounder though, just because of his low value.
Wizards: Champagnie has been a great story for the Wizards but his minutes have decreased this year as they've had even more young players and wings join the team. I don't necessarily think that means they want to move on but it at least appears that they don't value him as highly as last season. Perhaps getting their protected FRP back would be enough as they wouldn't have to give the second rounders back the next two seasons and those should be around pick 31, which is pretty valuable. Plus, then there's no worry at all about a freak drop out of the top 8 where they'd lose the pick to the Knicks. They'd be able to comfortably tank without any worry (again, super unlikely but stranger things have happened, the Mavs somehow jumped and got the #1 pick last year after all). They get Yabu who would be a good mentor for the young players on the team and certainly knows about making the most of your opportunities. Again, perhaps another second round pick may be needed to grease the wheels.
Pelicans: The Pelicans have an interesting prospect in Peavy who's already a good defender but doesn't offer a ton on offense. They're also a team who doesn't want to tank, despite their terrible record. Champagnie is a big upgrade on Peavy and is still young and cheap to boot. He'll actually help them win now and is a solid wing. They don't receive any draft compensation but that's because Champagnie is better than Peavy.
Knicks: The Knicks need more cover for their wings, especially ones who can guard multiple positions. Agbaji is a good defender who can do that and is a solid 3 point shooter. He also doesn't need the ball in his hands so he's easy to switch into the lineup. He's a definite upgrade on Yabu and has been solid for the Raptors. They also get Peavy (partially for salary reasons) who is at least a better player than Dadiet at present. They decrease their salary and could sign the 15 roster spot much sooner. That could perhaps be a PG (Chris Paul if he gets bought out?) or a center (I honestly loved how Jemison looked in the game against the Pacers, good decision making and solid impact). Depth chart below. I could also see Agbaji backing up Anunoby despite his smaller size but I'm listing him at SF.
PG: Brunson, Kolek
SG: Bridges, Deuce, Clarkson
SF: Hart, Agbaji, Shamet
PF: Anunoby, Peavy/Diawara
C: KAT, Mitch, Hukporti
EDIT: I'm looking at the trade and feeling like the 2nd rounder to the Raptors could come from the Pelicans since they're getting the better player. Or if Toronto wants another 2nd rounder, that should come from the Pelicans.