The NBA Draft is three days away. Free agency officially begins next Sunday night.
At this point in the calendar, teams across the NBA are evaluating trade possibilities.
Most of these business conversations are ultimately irrelevant.
The only conversations that really matter are the ones that result in real negotiations.
So the fact that Mitchell RobinsonThat his name has popped up in some of the Knicks’ trade conversations with opposing teams isn’t all that surprising (The Wizards are among the teams whose conversations with the Knicks have included dialogue about Robinson. I’m sure several other teams have talked to New York about Robinson, their 26-year-old starting center).
If the Knicks decide to move Robinson this offseason, it would be surprising if they executed a trade before or during the NBA Draft.
Isaiah Hartensteinas you know, he is an unrestricted free agent.
The Knicks would likely need to know Hartenstein’s status before moving Robinson.
So if they make a trade on draft night, they have full confidence that Hartenstein is back or that they can move to another center.
I assume the Knicks are preparing for all scenarios involving Robinson and Hartenstein.
People in contact with the Knicks say the club is evaluating what would happen if they lost Hartenstein or traded Robinson.
Great magic man Goga Bitadze It’s among the centers that are on New York’s radar if it needs to move. There are probably many other centers under consideration for this scenario.
A Note on Hartenstein: I Still Think Hartenstein Returns to New York if he’s deciding between an offer from the Knicks and a slightly higher offer. The Knicks have Hartenstein’s Early Bird Rights, so they can only offer him about $16 million in the first year of his new contract. It can last up to four years and cost up to US$72 million.
Teams with cap space — like Orlando and Oklahoma City — could offer Hartenstein significantly more than New York. In theory, these teams could offer Hartenstein a number that would be difficult to say no to. Another factor to consider if Hartenstein receives a ‘Godfather’ offer? State income tax. State income taxes in Oklahoma are lower than in New York. Florida does not charge state income tax.
The Knicks entered the free agency period feeling like they were in a good position with Hartenstein and OG Anunoby but fully aware that they will attract interest on the open market.
JERAMI CONCESSION
As noted above, teams are talking a lot about potential trades at this point in the league calendar. Multiple teams, including the Mavs, have checked in Jerami Grantthe situation in Portland. Grant, 30, is entering the second season of a five-year, $190 million contract with the Trail Blazers. According to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks, the salary cap is expected to increase consistently over the next few seasons due to the NBA’s new broadcast rights deal. This is relevant because Grant’s deal will be viewed very differently in 2 to 3 years’ time than it is today.
