Knicks is still overseeing the trade of Zach LaVine from Bulls

The New York Knicks look like a team that will be in the mix all season for one of the last spots outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament. They receive career years from Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle while still buying into the system Tom Thibodeau put in place.

New York emphasizes slowing down the game and limiting the opponent’s possession. They are confident in their schemes, which Thibodeau has modified to shoot higher value attacks while playing smothering defense.

The young players on the roster get the chance to play and make the most of the opportunity. Since the last rotation change was made after an embarrassing loss to the Dallas Mavericks on December 3, the Knicks have gone 13-5.

Their most recent four game winning streak is without RJ Barrett on the field. In the game against the Mavericks on December 27, Barrett suffered what the team called a cut on his right hand. It turns out that Barrett slammed his hands together, breaking his finger. Stitches were needed after the bone pierced the skin.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates

Could Barrett have a new teammate next time he takes the field? New York is in the business of trade rumours, and they are one of the teams tied to Chicago Bulls All-Star, Zach LaVine. The Bulls have stabilized lately by winning three games in a row. Unfortunately, some big changes may be on the horizon in the Windy City.

If the Bulls decide to rebuild and reset before the trade deadline, expect the Knicks to be a freer. But it won’t be cheap, as the Knicks will be asked to part with a bunch of assets according to NBA insider Michael Scotto.

“They were trying to get Donovan Mitchell,” said NBA insider Michael Scotto. “They’re targeting Zach LaVine. They’re watching him, they’re looking for the star that becomes available, which of course I think they’re going to do. But at the same time, from a bargaining standpoint, any team that has a star willing to market them and talk to the Knicks will try to squeeze them like an orange into Tropicana orange juice. to get everything out without a pump. That’s what you want and the Rudy Gobert trade ruined everything for everyone.

There is a real argument that acquiring LaVine would be a bad move for the Knicks. If they weren’t willing to match the asking price Danny Ainge put on Donovan Mitchell, himself a multiple All-Star, why go with LaVine?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates

LaVine has failed to lead his team to the same level of success that Mitchell had before and he is also at risk of injury from knee surgery. In the first year of a five-year, $215 million contract, the risk outweighs the reward.

Fit is also a big issue. The LaVine acquisition would almost certainly push Quentin Grimes to the bench. While LaVine is a gifted offensive player, he leaves a lot to be desired defensively. For the Knicks’ plans to work, they need a strong defender on the wing in combination with Brunson and Barrett, which is why things went so badly when Evan Fournier was the starting shooting guard.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates

LaVine is certainly a talented player, but his fit would be tricky in New York. The Knicks must continue to include and develop the young talent on their roster, and if a more well-rounded star emerges, they must seize the opportunity to acquire them.