The New York Knicks may not be making the big splash fans want, but they remain active during the trade deadline by acquiring Emmanuel Mudiay.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks have reached a deal that will bring Emmanuel Mudiay to New York, by way of the Denver Nuggets. The Knicks will be sending Doug McDermott to Dallas, while the Mavericks are sending Devin Harris to Denver. Wojnarowski would go on to say that the Knicks and the Nuggets will be swapping second-round draft picks.
Denver, New York and Dallas agreed on a three-way deal, league sources tell ESPN. Mudiay to Knicks; Devin Harris to Denver and Doug McDermott to Dallas.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Denver and New York was swapping second-round picks in the three-way trade, league sources tell ESPN. Denver gets New York's 2018 second-round pick via Clippers, and Knicks get Denver's second-round pick via Portland.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
This may not be the gigantic splash that Knicks fans wanted, but it’s a step in the right direction. McDermott never really got into a rhythm in New York and put up pedestrian numbers while in the Orange and Blue. He is currently averaging per game totals of 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists this season. His effective field goal percentage was up slightly above his career average, but he really never took the next step that Knicks fans hoped he would.
This is a low risk, yet potentially high reward move for the Knicks. Mudiay was the seventh pick in the 2015 Draft in which the Knicks took Kristaps Porzingis, may he rehab in peace. Mudiay has yet to live up to expectations and he was starting to get forced out in Denver because of the emergence of Jamal Murray. Mudiay is averaging per game totals this season of 8.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Although this may not be the sexy move that Knicks fans want, it’s a step forward and a good move for the future. Mudiay’s cap implications for the future are minimal, he still may have some potential, and they are dealing away a piece that didn’t look to fit the long-term plan.
Add in the fact that Frank Isola of NY Daily News, is reporting that the Knicks made this deal instead of dealing rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina in a trade with the Magic for Elfrid Payton.
The Knicks could have acquired Elfrid Payton, a Scott Perry favorite, but they would not include Frank Ntilikina in the deal with Orlando. Instead, they went after Mudiay. https://t.co/Uvqil974Wq
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 8, 2018
There will be plenty of Knicks fans questioning this move, but this is a good sign from the front office. It shows that Scott Perry and Steve Mills are committed to making sound decisions with a focus on the future. This is a better alternative to panicking and making a big splash for the sake of making a big splash.
