The trade market is thin with three weeks until the start of the preseason. Rumors have been circulating that Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell could be on the move, which gives the Knicks an opportunity to land the scoring guard.
Barrett, Quickley, and Robinson could offer Cleveland a robust package in exchange for Mitchell, under contract through 2027-28, where he is owed about $44 million.
Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims, and Isaiah Roby give coach Thibodeau options at center until the trade deadline and beyond when the Knicks can make a play for another center. Hartenstein had flashes of brilliance last season on both ends of the floor and enjoyed scoring in double figures in four of his seven games when given more than 25 minutes.
The Knicks could also try to make a play for Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. The veteran center has been one of the best pick-and-roll finishers in the NBA since his tenure alongside James Harden with the Houston Rockets.
Atlanta liked what they saw from backup center Onyeka Okongwu, giving the Knicks a chance to offer an attractive package in exchange for Capela. New York finished last in pick-and-roll points among all teams last season. Capela would be an immediate solution. Robinson’s package with Quickley in exchange for Capela and Siddiq Bey works contractually and Bey offers size, interior attack, and defense off the bench.