While the majority of the basketball community is laser-focused on the Paris Olympics and Team USA, there’s a group back in the States with a crucial dilemma. Yup, the New York Knicks. In what was an expected move from their side, NYC signed power forward, Precious Achiuwa, to a one-year $6 million contract. His agent, Raymond Brothers, had confirmed this much to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The financial crunch and trade limitations
However, this decision has effectively sealed their chances of any trades this summer. More importantly for Julius Randle, the hope of an extension also looks less and less likely. Jeremy Cohen of The Knicks Film Skool and The Strickland provides the answer.
“The Achiuwa signing means the Knicks have less salary to send out in any trade this summer. Want KAT? Have to add Hart or DiVincenzo to Randle AND Robinson. Want anyone making $20M+? Hart or DiVincenzo goes out. Not happening. Makes a Randle extension more likely imo as well.”
Cohen’s statement echoes the underlying financial constraints the Knicks are dealing with. The acquisition of Achiuwa, a player with solid potential, might have been a necessity given the departure of center Isaiah Hartenstein to Oklahoma City. Achiuwa’s stats from the last season—49 games, averaging 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and shooting 52.5% from the field—show promise, but it’s the financial implications that could be troubling.
The need for a strategic big man
We all remember the blockbuster deal of Mikal Bridges they made this offseason. With Jalen Brunson at the helm, the Knicks are planning to drive for a deeper playoff run this season. Achiuwa’s presence comes at a crucial point. With center Isaiah Hartenstein leaving for Oklahoma City in the free agency, the ‘Big Apple’ needs more frontcourt help. Precious Achiuwa will likely be called upon to take Hartenstein’s place as the team’s top big off the bench.
Meanwhile, New York’s interest in Minnesota‘s big man, Karl-Anthony Towns, might still be going strong. There has been a bevy of trade rumors linking KAT with NYC. In early July, Casey Powell said on Knicks Fan TV that their interest in Towns arises from the need for a big man who can shoot and spread the floor against the defending champs, the Celtics. More recently, Rohan Rahman of SI.com proposed a 3-team deal mainly with the objective of freeing up the Wolves’ projected luxury tax bill of $84 million.
Potential trade-offs and their consequences
For a trade of this magnitude to materialize, the Knicks would have to part with a significant portion of their roster. Specifically, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, in addition to Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. This is quite a sacrifice and one the Knicks are hesitant to make.
So, what could be the next step for the Knicks? Jeremy Cohen, in continuation of his initial tweet, elaborated on the possible future scenarios. “There is time before the trade deadline in February to make a trade. That’s largely moot if Randle is extended this summer though, as he can time it so he basically has a de facto NTC [no-trade clause] this season.”
“And maybe Randle isn’t extended! He’s therefore a prime candidate to be moved at the deadline. Easier to have Achiuwa’s $6M at the deadline than $6M impacted by BYC [base-year compensation] now. Factor in no deal for Randle and you have additional flexibility with his salary.”
And maybe Randle isn’t extended! He’s therefore a prime candidate to be moved at the deadline. Easier to have Achiuwa’s $6M at the deadline than $6M impacted by BYC now. Factor in no deal for Randle and you have additional flexibility with his salary
— Jeremy Cohen (@TheCohencidence) July 31, 2024
Future prospects and flexibility
Achiuwa, according to NBA Insider Ian Begley, agreed to waive his no-trade clause, per a source. So, come December 15th (the date when free agents who signed over the summer can be traded), he would also be trade-eligible. By that time, Precious Achiuwa as well as Julius Randle can build their value for a more lucrative contract with either the Knicks or elsewhere.
This situation is a delicate balancing act for the Knicks’ front office. On one hand, they have a valuable new asset in Achiuwa, who could strengthen their frontcourt. On the other, they face the tough decision of whether to retain Randle and risk losing flexibility in future trades.
The Achiuwa signing means the Knicks have less salary to send out in any trade this summer. Want KAT? Have to add Hart or DiVincenzo to Randle AND Robinson. Want anyone making $20M+? Hart or DiVincenzo goes out. Not happening.
Makes a Randle extension more likely imo as well
— Jeremy Cohen (@TheCohencidence) July 30, 2024
As the season moves forward and trade deadlines approach, the Knicks’ plan will face close examination. The decisions made in the upcoming months may have a long-lasting impact on the team’s future success. Whether Randle continues to play a key role for the Knicks or becomes a trade piece to improve the team’s roster will be a narrative worth monitoring.
The emotional and strategic stakes
For Knicks fans, the situation is emotionally charged and full of anticipation. The team’s moves reflect not just financial strategy but the hope for a brighter, more competitive future. The decisions made by the front office in managing the roster and finances will be critical in determining whether the Knicks can build on their current momentum or face another setback.
What do you say to such a possibility? Let us know in the comments below.