CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Executive Vice President and Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley and President Leon Rose of the New York Knicks look on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Knicks front office gets highly unusual praise amid trade rumors
Is there an alternate universe that exists where the New York Knicks aren’t getting clowned for whatever decisions the front office makes? Apparently, it does exist, and it’s the one that we’re living in.
Leon Rose and Co. have the right combination of young players and assets to land a star player. New York was in a position to get Donovan Mitchell last summer, but Danny Ainge’s price was too high. After not landing Mitchell, the Knicks are in the same position this offseason that they were in last offseason.
At this point in the summer, there isn’t a player of Mitchell’s caliber that’s been made available. Rumors have been swirling around Paul George’s future in Los Angeles, as well as Zach LaVine’s future in Chicago. LaVine has been tied to the Knicks for some time now, although New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy reported (subscription required) that LaVine’s camp is against a trade to the organization that’s full of CAA ties.
Given LaVine’s contract and injury history that should be good news to Knicks fans. New York’s front office has proven that rather than go all-in on a trade, they’re instead waiting for the right move to take shape.
Knicks front office praised for being patient in pursuit of star player
According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, New York’s front office is actually being viewed in a positive light by those around the league. On the topic of Zach LaVine, Fischer wrote:
Maybe the Knicks will kick the tires again on a serious LaVine overture this summer, but New York has so far drawn atypical praise from around the NBA for the Knicks’ recent patient team-building approach.
Atypical praise is right. It was only last year when the Knicks were criticized for signing Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency. It was quickly labeled an overpay, but it didn’t take long for that belief to change once the 2022-23 season began.
When the LaVine trade rumors were out in full force ahead of the deadline in February, it was falsely reported that New York and Chicago were deep in conversation about sending the 28-year-old to the Knicks. That turned out to be untrue and the only move that New York’s front office made was one centered around sending Cam Reddish to Portland for Josh Hart. That deal couldn’t have worked out much better for the Knicks, whose priority this summer is to retain Hart.
With fans still haunted by the mistakes made by New York’s front office in years past, Leon Rose has worked to change the culture since taking over as team president in 2020. In case it wasn’t already evident, these Knicks are different.
