Buoyed by the team’s growth over the past two seasons (largely due to Jalen Brunson’s emergence as a true MVP candidate), the New York Knicks decided to go all in this offseason. After giving up a ton of draft capital to acquire Mikal Bridges, they executed a breathtaking trade for Karl-Anthony Towns last week. But the Knicks may not be done yet.
The Knicks have reportedly held “internal discussions” regarding the possibility of trading Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart using trade assets, according to Kris Prussiainen of Ballislife. Prussiainen said there had been “rumors that the Knicks were interested” in trading for Smart, but insisted that “no deal is imminent.”
A trade for Smart shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag, but the Grizzlies should consider parting ways with the veteran guard in exchange for at least a first-round pick. But at this point, the Knicks don’t seem to have anything other than paperclips and twine to offer a potential trade.
The Brooklyn Nets own the swap rights to the Knicks’ 2028 first-round pick, and the Knicks owe the Nets nearly all of their first-round picks through 2029. From a draft capital perspective, the Knicks are currently limited to trading their heavily guarded first-round pick. – Acquires the Washington Wizards’ first-round pick in addition to the right to exchange first-round picks in 2026 and 2030. Will all these advantages be enough to make an impact on the Grizzlies?
Additionally, the Knicks are a team that plays above the first tier of the luxury tax, so they are not allowed to take in more salary than they can give up in any trade. Therefore, it will be difficult to match Smart’s $20.2 salary this season. The Knicks could reach that total with a combination of Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, but given their lack of depth at any position, that might not seem like an alluring offer.
Before considering further depleting the team’s depth, the Knicks have to hope some of their lower-level moves pay off, such as signing TJ Warren and Chuma Okeke to training camp deals.
Also read: Behind the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade revealed by NBA insiders