Perhaps I'm overreacting to the beatdown that's currently happening from the Kings on the Knicks but at the same time, it's incredibly dissapointing to see. Yes, Brunson is out for the game but there's no reason why this Knicks team should look like this against a Kings team that has struggled all year. It was clear when Hart was out, but the Knicks really need players who will run, rebound and just play with attitude. We saw it last year when PJ Tucker was brought on board, as it wasn't his on court play that was valuable, but his leadership and bringing the aggression and accountability to the Knicks that paid off. Two players who are just out hustling the Knicks in this game are Russ and Precious.

Precious played well for the Knicks 2 years ago and then Thibs did his thing and froze him out. One thing that has hurt the Knicks in their roster composition and in their ability to trade is that Thibs depressed the trade value of several players over the years. Look at Obi Toppin, at Grimes and now Precious. All 3 were pigeonholed by Thibs, got decreasing amounts of playing time and were traded for peanuts or let go for nothing. Yes, Russ and Precious have their limitations (this game not withstanding), especially with outside shooting, but both will push the players around them, they don't quit and will out hustle you. I've loved what Kolek has brought to the team, but Russ is a more playoff tested player. He's still a great passer and his drives open up defenses for 3 pointers, something the Knicks haven't gotten as much of as late. Precious gives you another big on a team that will likely need more center depth due to foul issues (KAT, Hukporti) and injury issues (Mitch). I also think the way Mike Brown plays will suit him much better than Thib's style did and he can even serve at the wing as he's a solid defender (I still remember his play against Siakam and Embiid two years ago). Keon is also here as a smaller wing who's not being used right now by the Kings and who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Brown did decrease his minutes towards the end of his tenure in Sacramento but he also got much more out of him during his time and would hopefully do so again. I also included him as if I don't, the Kings go into the tax, which they wouldn't want to do in this bad of a season.

On the Kings side of things, they get the Washington top 8 protected FRP. Yes, there is a very good chance this doesn't convey, but with Trae on the Wizards, there's also a chance that he raises their floor enough that they lose it. Perhaps the chance of that happening raises the value and perception of this pick to other teams around the league (I can hope). Even if it doesn't convey, it'll be a pick in the low 30s in a deep draft and likely another low 30s pick next season. Plus, both Russ and Precious are on 1 year minimums so it's a good return. I also included a 2032 second rounder which should also be better as its when the Knicks project to get worse. It's probably less than they'd want (while Russ and Precious haven't really been mentioned in any trade rumors, Ellis has and the Kings reportedly want a late FRP, but his value has only decreased as the season has gone on). Plus, losing Westbrook and Precious would help the tank and secure them a lottery spot in the draft. Between that and the protected FRP, the Kings could end up having a pretty great draft night. On the player side, Yabu and Dadiet aren't really much of assets but Yabu wants to stay in the league and will hopefully do better when he has more consistent playing time. And Dadiet is still just 20 years old and is under contract for 3 more seasons, he's definitely a project but the Kings are probably hitting that territory now and would hope to develop him into a solid player.

I'd feel much better about the Knicks depth for the rest of the season and in the playoffs and the Knicks would easily have 10 players who are starters or rotation level and several others who could step up.

PG: Brunson, Westbrook, Kolek

SG: Bridges, Deuce, Clarkson

SF: Hart, Ellis, Shamet

PF: Anunoby, Achiuwa, Diawara

C: KAT, Mitch, Hukporti