Thanks to their recent acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks have positioned themselves to be legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. According to an NBA analysis, they can strengthen their roster more if they acquire Marcus Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Knicks have made significant moves this offseason, aiming to bolster their roster after a promising season. With two major trades, they acquired Mikal Bridges and Towns, signaling a clear intent to compete at a higher level. The Knicks finished last season with 50 wins and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, their best performance in over a decade.
This year, they face a win total projection of 53.5, which is the third-highest in the NBA. The addition of Towns, a versatile big man, replaces Julius Randle, whose ball-dominant style clashed with the team’s needs. The Knicks recognized the importance of a strong offensive structure, particularly with Jalen Brunson as the focal point.
Bridges and O.G. Anunoby provide the Knicks with elite 3-and-D capabilities, enhancing their defensive versatility. Last season, the team excelled when Anunoby was on the court, boasting an impressive net rating.
While the path to success is never guaranteed in sports, the Knicks’ roster is now equipped to exceed the 53.5 win mark, assuming they maintain health throughout the season. Betting on the Knicks to go over this win total offers a compelling opportunity, especially considering their revamped lineup and the lessons learned from previous challenges.
NBA Analysis Names Marcus Smart as New York Knicks’ Ambitious Trade For 2024-25 Season
If New York wants to improve their defense, the front office could look at acquiring Smart. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey detailed why the Grizzlies guard is the team’s most ambitious trade for the upcoming season.
After splashy, expensive trades that landed them Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, it sure feels like the New York Knicks are done.
They’re leveraged to the hilt, already have one of the best-fitting starting lineups in the NBA, and could reach a breaking point if they aggregate more outgoing contracts.
And that’s almost certainly what they’d have to do to land Marcus Smart, their latest rumored trade target.
Still, even if it might be hard to cobble together a decent second unit after such a trade, a top six of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Bridges, OG Anunoby, KAT and Smart would rival just about any other in the league.
The Knicks may pursue a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Marcus Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. This move could significantly enhance the Knicks’ defensive capabilities, creating a formidable lineup alongside stars like Jalen Brunson and Towns.
However, the Knicks already have a strong roster after recent trades and might struggle to maintain depth if they trade away additional assets. Ultimately, acquiring Smart could position New York as a top contender in the Eastern Conference while bolstering their defense against rivals like the Celtics.
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