BREAKING: Proposed Knicks Trade Lands 23 PPG NBA All-Star
As the NBA’s free agency period draws near (starting June 29), various trade and sign-and-trade scenarios are being discussed by analysts. One such proposal involves the Knicks potentially acquiring All-Star Lauri Markkanen from the Jazz by trading Julius Randle along with three future first-round draft picks and a pick swap.
According to Greg Patuto of FanFirstSports, who introduced this hypothetical trade, he argues that Markkanen’s exceptional long-range shooting abilities would complement Jalen Brunson better than Randle currently does.
“The Knicks would benefit from Markkanen’s youth at 27 and his proficiency in deep shooting,” Patuto noted on June 16. “His development over the years in the league suggests that pairing him with Brunson would create a dependable duo for the Knicks going forward.”
Patuto also highlighted the Jazz’s strategy under Danny Ainge, noting their interest in acquiring additional draft picks amidst their ongoing roster adjustments. The Jazz are reportedly considering using their current draft assets — including picks 10 (their own), 29 (via Thunder), and 32 (via Wizards) — to potentially move up in the upcoming NBA Draft on June 26-27.
Knicks’ Reported Interest in Markkanen
Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports previously reported on June 4 that the Knicks have shown interest in acquiring Lauri Markkanen. According to Deveney, the Jazz would require a substantial offer, potentially involving five or six first-round draft picks, to consider trading their All-Star forward.
A recent article for @HeavyOnSports suggests that in order to get Lauri Markkanen, the Knicks would need to trade Julius Randle with 5 or 6 first round picks attached.
Absolutely insanity. pic.twitter.com/wwL1Pilpfs
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) June 4, 2024
An NBA general manager shared insights with Heavy Sports, stating, “The Knicks would love to bring Lauri in alongside OG and Brunson; he fits better with them than Randle due to his shooting ability. If they could swap Randle for Markkanen and throw in a significant number of first-round picks—maybe five or six—you might persuade Danny Ainge to consider it. But Utah doesn’t want Randle, so the deal would hinge on draft picks.”
This indicates that while the Knicks are keen on Markkanen, any potential trade with the Jazz would likely require a substantial package of future first-round draft picks to entice Utah to part with their prized forward.
Will Knicks Trade Their Draft Picks?
The Knicks’ front office, led by Leon Rose, is well-known for holding a substantial number of draft picks, which could now be seen as more urgent following the team’s exit in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Similar to the Jazz, the Knicks possess three picks in the upcoming June 26-27 NBA Draft — No. 24 (via Mavericks), No. 25 (their own), and No. 38 (via Jazz) — along with a collection of draft assets scheduled for delivery over the next few seasons.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted the Knicks’ draft assets, noting, “In addition to their own first-round pick, New York holds first-rounders in 2025 from Detroit, Milwaukee (top-4 protected), and Washington. The Pistons’ pick is protected top-13 in 2025, top-11 in 2026, and top-9 in 2027. The Bucks’ pick will convey if it falls outside the top four. Washington’s pick is top-10 protected in 2025 and top-8 protected in 2026. The Knicks also have seven second-round picks available.”
While opinions vary on whether the Knicks should focus on improving their postseason performance with a healthy Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle or seek upgrades to compete more effectively in the Eastern Conference, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on June 16 that Brunson is likely to receive a contract extension soon. Conversely, Randle’s future in New York is less certain, potentially opening the door for the Knicks to explore trading the three-time All-Star.