SNYs Ian Begley will respond to Knicks questions from readers. Here is the latest…
Do you know if trading MitchRob for Trey Murphy is in any way a possibility? – @bballgypsy
I don’t think it is. The Pelicans have long signaled that they value Murphy III highly and see him as a vital part of the future. So it would be surprising to see New Orleans move Murphy III for a package involving Mitchell Robinson. I don’t say that to disparage Robinson. He is an elite talent and, if healthy, would have high value around the league.
In a perfect world, the Knicks could bring Robinson along slowly with the goal of getting him healthy for the postseason. But things are rarely perfect in the NBA. Injuries or subpar individual performance could lead the Knicks to seek an upgrade via trade. Robinson is on a team-friendly deal (making $14.3M this season and $12.9M in 2025-26, the final year of his contract). If you look at the current Knick roster, Robinson and Miles McBride probably their best (realistic) commercial chips.
I would guess there isn’t much support for moving McBride. The Knicks, as currently constituted, will need him on both ends of the floor. The situation with Robinson is obviously a bit different. The 26-year-old center is still recovering from offseason foot surgery and is expected back between December and January if there are no setbacks. But I can’t see New Orleans moving Murphy III at all – let alone for a player rehabbing from surgery. Because of his talent and team-friendly contract, there will be a market for Robinson. I just don’t think moving him could bring back a player like Murphy III.
QUICK HITTERS
Can they sign one more vet min? – @nykyg
They might be able to sign one later in the season. But now, they would need to shed team salary to add a veteran. My guess is that the Knicks will stick with 14 players on the roster for at least the first few weeks of the season – if not longer. They will have enough room to store Landry Fields on a standard deal and sign a rookie to a free agent deal. If they signed another veteran at least, it would take over the second apron. They can’t top the second apron ($188.9 million) in team salary this season.
Why would Morris (not) have a chance to make the roster post-trade? Wouldn’t a weaker bench give him a chance given the lack of bench wings? – @J_ac0_b
The Knicks could not keep both Morris and Shamet at their current team salary. (See above.) They also had to give up Morris before the Karl-Anthony Towns agreement to carry out the sign-and-trades to Charlotte.
Which rookie expects to get a contract? -@antinthenba
If I had to guess, I’d go with center Ariel Hukporti because of the position he plays.
Dude said he wasn’t a fan of the Villanova story. Don’t let the door hit you. – @thebringerx
I don’t think this is accurate. That’s it what I know about the situation. I don’t think this affected the Knicks’ decision to move DiVincenzo.
What convinced Dolan to stop messing with the team? – @cramnietslede
On the day the Knicks presented Phil Jackson as team president, owner James Dolan said he didn’t want to get too involved in basketball decisions. From all indications, he has maintained that approach since that day. I’m sure he weighs in on decisions and signs them off. But I don’t think he is as committed as he used to be.
BTS KNICKS-SIXERS
ESPN has put together a great show with strong behind-the-scenes footage of the 2024 Knicks-Sixers first-round series. Clutch: The NBA Finals has great footage and interviews with members of the Knicks and Sixers. Worth your time if you follow both teams.
