Knicks willing to accept bad contracts in exchange for assets, report says

The New York Knicks made many mistakes in 2019, but perhaps the most avoidable was their reckless refusal to accept bad contracts in exchange for assets. The Knicks were so desperate to sign too many power forwards that they lost the opportunity to take on Andre Iguodala’s contract when the Golden State Warriors were desperate to get him off their books. The Memphis Grizzlies capitalized, getting a first-round pick from the Warriors for their troubles before moving Iguodala to Miami for Justise Winslow at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the salary cap space the Knicks spent on others led to another lottery appearance.

Fortunately, it appears that the Leon Rose regime has learned from Steve Mills’ mistakes. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks have made it known that they are willing to absorb bad contracts in exchange for assets. Since their cap space is virtually unlimited this offseason, theoretically that would make them players for just about any bad contract in basketball … for the right price.

That price should be pretty high. This is undoubtedly a seller’s market when it comes to the space limit. Only four teams are expected to have anything close to the maximum salary cap space: the Knicks, Pistons, Hornets and Hawks. However, many more teams will deal with the financial problems caused by the pandemic. It doesn’t matter if that involves the luxury tax, long-term savings, or the need for a more immediate space. The Knicks should have a lot of customers interested in their space.

Such a deal would help the Knicks on several fronts. First, it would add to a growing war chest of draft resources for the Knicks. After years of owing picks to other teams, the Knicks now have their own picks in addition to a first-round pick from the Clippers and two from the Mavericks. The other advantage? It would protect the Knicks from themselves to some degree. The more cap space they use to absorb bad contracts, the less they have to do a short-term short-sighted trade.

The Knicks have been linked to Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Victor Oladipo. Neither of those players would lead the Knicks into an immediate championship contest. All of them would likely cost the Knicks assets, while a dumping deal could get them some. All three have red injury and / or age flags. Acquiring either would fit the pattern the Knicks have established for the past two decades of prioritizing name value over practical value.

But the idea that the Knicks would consider renting their cap space for assets is a step in the right direction. It’s the kind of move teams make with foresight. The Knicks will not compete next season. They are not going to compete in the near future. Therefore, they do not need their cap space to get immediate help. They should use it as a tool to improve in the future, when RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson are closer to their prime and winning is a feasible goal. This type of trade would be a step in that direction.