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New York Knicks receive: Ricky Rubio, Grayson Allen, 2019 first-round pick, 2023 second-round pick
Utah Jazz receive: Tim Hardaway Jr, Trey Burke
Outside of Donovan Mitchell, Utah have a dearth of players who can get their own basket. Luckily, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a gettable option who would immediately assist Mitchell and Utah with shot-making capabilities, either starting or coming off the bench.
The 26-year-old is averaging a career high 20 points per game and converting 34% of his 3-point shots this season, with 52.6% of his made field goals coming unassisted, possessing that microwave scoring the Jazz lack.
Hardaway Jr’s $18.1 million next season would be useful for the Knicks to have off their books, as they look to their younger players and landing a big fish in free-agency.
Contrasting to the Knicks’ summer plans, Utah will struggle to prize any significant free agents ahead of the larger market teams like New York, making a trade for Hardaway Jr. even more logical.
The Jazz also welcome back Trey Burke who suited up in Salt Lake City between 2013 and 2016, with Burke bringing in more instant-offence capabilities to the Utah bench. With Raul Neto and Dante Exum both out injured, the Jazz could do with more guard depth.
Burke is averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes, and converting on 34% of his 3-point shots, while importantly 66.3% of his made field goals are unassisted, giving coach Quin Snyder another shot maker off the bench.
Having Ricky Rubio in New York to mentor Allonzo Trier and Frank Ntilikina for the end of the season would be beneficial, with the Spaniard’s expiring deal creating further room for the Knicks.
Bringing back Rubio on a cheaper deal also wouldn’t be the worst move for the Knicks, ably filling a veteran role off the bench on a roster bereft of experience.
Then the Knicks are also able to bring in assets through a 2019 first-round pick, and 2018 first-round pick Grayson Allen. Allen’s favourable rookie contract gives the Knicks more flexibility, whether they decide to extend a qualifying offer of $5.7 million to Emmanuel Mudiay.
While Allen hasn’t featured strongly in Utah’s plans as of yet this season, only averaging almost 10 minutes in 18 games this season, he has showed signs in the G-League.
Averaging 15.7 points and converting from 3-point range at 38% for the Salt Lake City Stars, Allen still has the offensive potential to make an impact in a Knicks uniform.
Knicks fans are crying out for another superstar and clearing cap space with this move, while bringing in picks and a young asset in Allen would be a smart move for the New York front office.
For Utah, getting another accomplished shot maker who fills a glaring hole in their roster should be an easy decision, helping them continue their climb up the Western Conference standings.
All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA Stats.