Breaking: Knicks close in to sign Warriors Four time championships and eight nominations mega star in a blockbuster deal.

After Isaiah Hartenstein left the team due to free agency, the New York Knicks are lacking a center in their lineup. The Athletic’s John Hollinger proposed a deal for Draymond Green.

Along with colleague Fred Katz of The Athletic, Hollinger made the case that New York might strengthen their center rotation once the 2024–2025 season gets under way.

“Those are two names that would make a lot of sense in New York, for example, if Golden State struggles and decides to make Draymond Green available, or the Suns are in a similar predicament and decide to cash in their Jusuf Nurkić stock,” Hollinger said.

Green is a lock to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Four championships and eight nominations for all-defensive teams adorn his impressive CV.

In 55 games with the Golden State Warriors the previous season, he averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.

However, is he a good fit for the Knicks? Green would present many challenges in a transaction.

A Draymond Green Trade for the Knicks
Golden State and New York would need to focus their transaction on specific assets. It’s unclear how much draft capital the Knicks would have to give up. However, a group of mediocre contracts being released would call for several picks to be included.

Or, Miles McBride might be included in the deal by New York. His deal is regarded as one of the NBA’s best deals. That would help the Knicks hold onto future draft picks and alter the tide in any transaction.

Mitchell Robinson, McBride, and Precious Achiuwa are given to the Warriors.

Knicks are given: Green

Along with the three players, New York would also need to give some type of draft compensation. To assist balance the roster numbers, there would also be the issue of adding another Golden State minimum player.

But within that paradigm, the math functions.

It would be preferable to try to trade for Green during the regular season, as Hollinger stated. Achiuwa isn’t trade eligible until December 15, and he would be essential to making the salary match.

For New York, this would mean a change in the locker room. Robinson has played for the team for the longest, and McBride, a former second-round pick, is a local star.

It would be an indication of faith in both rookie guard Tyler Kolek and seasoned guard Cam Payne. However, they will have to think about it if Leon Rose and the Knicks executive office believe that Green is the final piece needed to win a title.

What Role Does Green Play for The Knicks?
Without a doubt, head coach Tom Thibodeau would adore the chance to lead Green. The head coach of New York’s specialty is defense, and his track record in that area speaks for itself.

Does he, however, suit their present roster? Are they even more of a contender with OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Green, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges in the starting lineup?

Despite his share of health issues, Robinson’s production above the rim has been crucial to the Knicks during his time there. At 34 years old, Green is not interested in playing above the rim.

Still, his 0% lifetime three-point shooting would be an improvement above Robinson’s. In 29 of his 55 games played last season, Green made a three-pointer, shooting 39% from beyond the arc.

Although not vertically oriented, his defensive skill set is nonetheless physical. In a series with teams like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, Green would be a valuable addition.

In addition, there’s the issue of Green’s skill at handling the ball and leading an attack. Over the course of the playoffs, Thibodeau may depend on the seasoned forward to occasionally replace the second unit.

According to Cleaning the Glass, the Warriors outscored opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions in 409 possessions when Green was on the court and Stephen Curry was not.

Chris Paul, the backup point guard, contributed as well. Despite being outscored by 0.3 points overall, Golden State’s offense still rated in the 91st percentile in the 128 possessions with Green and Paul off the field.

While he can’t replace Brunson’s exceptional point guard play, he can keep the team afloat. Last season, New York was thoroughly defeated in that area.