The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers could reportedly strike a deal centered around Carmelo Anthony this summer, in sign and trade fashion. In return, the Knicks would receive, most notably, shooting guard J.J. Redick, who if acquired would set off a flurry of moves on the Knicks part — given the logjam that would exist out on the perimeter.
Despite failing to come to terms on a trade back at the NBA Trade deadline, a deal involving the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers, centered around Carmelo Anthony could now reportedly pick up steam this summer.In such a deal, the Knicks would send Anthony and a future second round pick to the Clippers in a sign and trade, in which they’d receive point guard Austin Rivers, swingman Wesley Johnson, and shooting guard J.J. Redick — who would sign with the Knicks as a free agent, for the deal to go through, via Marc Berman of the New York Post.
If acquired, Redick would give the Knicks a sharpshooter from the outside, as well as an immediate starter. For his career, Redick is shooting 41.5 percent from behind the arc, in addition to shooting 88.8 percent from the free throw line. Redick though can also score on a consistent basis.
[graphiq id=”e58dPmKVil” title=”J.J. Redick” width=”600″ height=”727″ url=”https://sw.graphiq.com/w/e58dPmKVil” frozen=”true”]In his four year tenure with the Clippers, Redick has averaged at least 15.0 points a game per game, serving as a go-to option out on the perimeter. With the Knicks though, Redick would get more attention on the offensive end, potentially resulting in an increased role.
With Anthony gone (assuming the trade goes through), the Knicks go-to scoring options would be forward Kristaps Porzingis and potentially their first round draft pick (Frank Ntilikina? De’Aaron Fox?). Given the inexperience of whoever they select, as well as the lack of legitimate scoring options present, Redick could find a niche as a go-to option on the Knicks, rather quickly. If acquired though, Redick’s presence would set off a flurry of moves on the Knicks’ part.
Assuming Redick is dawning the blue and orange this summer, the Knicks would have to make a number of trades in order to clear up a logjam that would exist out on the perimeter. In addition to Redick, the Knicks would have veterans Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas, as well as versatile forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas on their roster. The Knicks are also said to be interested in resigning wings Justin Holiday and restricted free agent Ron Baker.
However, if Redick and swingman Wesley Johnson are thrown into the mix, the Knicks would have to trade away two of their wings, or possibly let both Holiday and Baker walk in are agency. The question becomes would this swap ultimately make sense for the Knicks given that Redick is turning 33 in June?
Based on the fact that the Knicks have diminished Anthony’s trade value to the point where they’re unlikely to receive equal value for him, this haul is one the Knicks may have to pounce on, regardless of age.
In addition to snatching Redick, the Knicks would also receive the crafty Rivers. Rivers, who’s served as a backup to Chris Paul for the past couple of seasons, has proved his worth in the NBA.
By averaging 12.0 points, as well as 2.8 assists per game in the 2016-17 season, Rivers has showed an ability to put the ball in the cup and serve as a facilitator on the offensive end. Rivers though also poses a threat on the defensive end. By diving after loose balls, and playing tight perimeter defense, Rivers has helped built a reputation as a two-way player.
Given the role he’s accustomed to (backup point guard), as well as his current skill set, Rivers would be a great fit for the Knicks going forward, but especially in the short-term.
If their draftee struggles early, or the coaching staff is of the belief that he’s not ready to start at the NBA level, the Knicks could lean on Rivers to run the show at point. However, if their draftee does excel at the NBA level, then Rivers can continue to be a sixth man and backup point guard, helping add depth to the Knicks’ bench.
In this rumored four player swap, centered around Anthony, the Knicks are receiving a fair offer, given the way they’ve decimated his trade value. However, with that aside, getting a package centered around Redick and Rivers would be a reasonable haul for the Knicks. The deal though would force the Knicks to make some maneuvers, in regards to fleeing themselves of a perimeter logjam that would then exist — moves which may have to made, given the value they’d be getting back.
