The New York Knicks have one of the top markets in the league, but they might not be the best fit for the league’s biggest name.
Over the past couple of years, the Knicks have made some blockbuster deals to put themselves in a position to contend in the East. With championship aspirations going into next season, the Knicks haven’t made any big splashes after their Eastern Conference Finals run.
While New York has made some solid free agent signings and hired a new head coach, it might be wise to simply run it back with the core it had last season. Although going after a player like LeBron James can be tempting, the Knicks would be wise to stay away from making such a move.
New York shouldn’t go after LeBron
As recently noted by New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield, the Knicks have a clear reason to stay away from James. Despite the star power that James would bring, the path to getting him to New York is a slippery slope.
"LeBron isn’t 53 years old — but he will make $52.6 million this season, his 23rd in the NBA,” Winfield wrote. “That means the Knicks — already hovering just under the second tax apron — would need to match LeBron’s salary in any trade. One clean solution: sending [Karl-Anthony] Towns to the Lakers. But news flash, Dallas: trading a 30-year-old star for a 40-year-old star is bad business."
It’s obvious that having James in New York would be an incredible sight and create some iconic images. However, the Knicks are in the business of basketball, and they need to do what’s best for them on their journey to try and win an NBA title.
Considering Towns is coming off one of the best years of his career, it would be unwise for New York to send him out. Add in Jalen Brunson’s MVP-level play, and the Knicks already have enough star power without the King.