Center Shake Up?

We kick off mailbag season with a trade that nets New York both of their reported targets at center.

Good morning! The Knicks made a minor move last night. We’ll get to that, plus our very first mailbag question of the summer, right now…

News & Notes

🏀 The Knicks officially signed Ariel Hukporti to a two-way contract last night, paving the way for the 58th pick in last month’s draft to show what he can do in next week’s summer league. The 22-year-old who last played with Melbourne United stands 6'11" with a 7'3" wingspan and is originally from Germany. “High motor” is probably the term you’ll hear associated with Hukporti most often, so that will be on full display in Vegas, as will his rebounding, rim protection and effective drop defense. In short, he’s a Thibs dream.

Fred Katz reported that the two-way deal is for one season. Michael Scotto was first with news of the deal.

🏀 Fred also had a nice read on the possible Jalen Brunson extension yesterday, reporting that JB is still mulling over signing an extension now and noting that he “has no interest in playing elsewhere, according to sources close to him.”

Always nice to hear.

🏀 Ian Begley released a video last night that should definitely be watched in full, but in short, he indicates that the asking price for Walker Kessler (a first rounder) may have the Knicks out of the running for his services. He also mentioned that Precious Achiuwa is very much still in play, but that other contenders are interested in his services and he has a few offers on the table.

Center Shake Up?

We kick off summer mailbag season with a question from Lee, who is wondering about a trade that would send New York’s starting center back to his home state:

I can’t shake the feeling that Mitch is going to somehow end up in NOLA. It’s his home, and they have no center. They’re obviously still looking to unload Ingram, who is not a fit in New York. Please find me the three team trade involving Ingram and Mitch.

Challenge accepted!

(For the record, I don’t think the Knicks are going to trade Robinson, nor do I want them to. For as much as my emotional attachment to specific players has waned over the years, I do find it cool that Mitch is poised to join Melo as the only other post-90’s Knick to be on the team for seven consecutive seasons. He’s also goofy and lovable and his highs are still pretty jaw-dropping even if his athleticism has waned a bit over the years.)

With that out of the way, let’s think of some fake trades.