Great newsletter, Jon. Don't think you'll exactly be getting "rest" this offseason, but hope the new approach at least encourages some folks to fork over a grand total of $5 per month for the best basketball newsletter out there!
Ha...you're too kind Bobby, really. I will absolutely take a break for the 2 weeks I'm vacationing after summer league, just gotta pre-write some stuff after FA ends for those weeks. It's a labor of love, as always
Great stuff as always!!! But the PG stuff confused me. Couldn’t we package Mitch and Bogey - about $34M there - and a signed and traded Burkes (sp?) for... $14M, or exactly whatever the difference is? Also re: OGA wanting a bigger role on offense - he’s already a pretty good 3 pt shooter from the corners. Do we think he has the handle, etc., to be that third star, eliminating the need for PG? And if we chase PG, does that mean OGA really might be dissatisfied here? Finally, we need someone to help the offense from falling off a cliff when JB rests, but aren’t we vastly more likely to trade / sign a FA for that than draft for it? Seems like we need to restock the cupboard with super talented guys who might need a year or two, but who could do well in an ‘in case of emergency’ situation. Guys like Ware / Filipowski / Holmes, and / or Dunn / Scheierman / Ajay Mitchell. While FA targets are folks like Marshall in NO, Hayward, or Anderson from Minn. Just a thought. Thanks !!!
…oh and also… take more time off. I thoroughly value and love the effort you put in, but spend some more time with that beautiful family of yours. The offseason nonsense is mostly just that.
That's really kind and thoughtful of you to say (and it means extra because you've been such an incredible supporter for so long). I'll definitely take a breather when the time is right!
Do it. I’d love to say that I’m a long term supporter out of the goodness of my heart but the KFS experience, content and team you’ve built is second to none. Supporting good people like you guys who create a great, passion driven experience in good times and in bad is a no-brainer.
My guess is the FO is gauging the return for Mitch but are not gonna move him for a piece that doesn’t make sense. Better to have him as an A+ backup to IHart and someone that can step up if IHart goes down. I’m really not in love with moving Randle + value for PG. I’d rather run it back with Julius fully rebuilt and adjust if the chemistry isn’t there. I’d prefer to stick and have both Mitch and Randle grow their value and move off them closer to their peaks. My hope for this team is to add better bench players around the periphery rather than go for the big swing.
Reading this morning’s piece, it’s hilarious that Hart and Donte are among the most untradeable players in the NBA because of who they’re friends with. Also hilarious that all Knicks fans are totally good with it.
To me, the PG stuff is tough because you have to pay to acquire him and then pay more than you’re comfortable with to keep him. That’s why I don’t think anything gets done with the Knicks. Overpaying a 34 year old PG for several years is how franchises get ruined. Is an OG sign and trade to LAC for PG at 1 year a workable deal (with PG opting in)? It’s scary because we’d basically have him for one year, but he’s an even better fit than OG.
I think it's a little more than who they're friends with. Culturally, both guys are vital. There also aren't 5 guys in the league who give you what Hart does from an energy standpoint, and Donte might be a top 5 bargain contract in the league. It's just really tough to envision replacing them and not losing something really significant.
Not trying to be too simplistic about it, but guys like Donte are EXACTLY the types of guys who teams with disgruntled superstars (i.e. Paul George) would want thrown into a trade. I love Donte, but if faced with the choice of having to trade one of him or Randle for PG, I think common sense is that you trade Randle (I know it’s not that simple). The fact that it’s generally understood that a 3x All Star in his prime is more gettable than Donte is just telling.
I agree that it’s more than just being Brunson’s friend. Those three are the culture.
Loved the draft preview, Jon! Many assume that the Knicks will use one of their picks to trade out of the draft, but is it possible to trade the #25 pick for even a heavily protected future first? Is there any precedent for this, and do you think we could get a future first in exchange for #25 and #38 if not?
I think FAR more likely is they move 24 or 25 for multiple future 2nds OR they package 24 or 25 with another protected first they have for a better (but still protected) first down the line
Thanks, draft picks and PG aside[ by the way where has he won anything except on a USA team], can you imagine Clyde intoning: The Knicks' offense is really Rokas and rolling!
My fan dream priorities remain: Fit, Character, Ability, Health.
The Knicks need basketball smart guys, for their offense, for their defense, for late game situational plays. They've lost far too many tight, winnable games because guys on the floor didn't make the right read or right play. That's what the playoffs are all about.
I definitely think there's a world where Rokas comes over next season, but I wonder if the money they can give him on the 2nd round exception is enough to tempt him
If OKC is really looking for a backup center, trading Mitch for draft compensation would allow the Knicks to work on a sign n trade with the clippers for PG with less money? Something like 35M a year.
What I’m wondering it is if using Mitch as a Cap reliever would allow the knicks to trade for PG13 without randle and/or nova boys
If we were to trade Randle and Bogy (or Mitch) for PG13, I suppose 1.) OG would be our full time 4, which means 2.) he’d be playing out of position, 3.) the cost to re-sign him probably goes up, and 4.) with J Hart the primary backup for both PG13+OG, we wouldn’t really have an option to play BIG. Is PG13+OG+JH really better than OG+Julius+JH? I wonder.
It's a very fair question and brings about the logical conclusion that they'd need to go out and get another rotation player, and probably a traditional 4 (or maybe a 4/5 swing piece).
Forgive me if you and Jeremy got to this already, I've not finished the pod yet today. I am pretty sure that we could trade for PG at the draft for Mitch + Bojan as returning salary. We wouldn't be hard-capped for the 24-25 season, while also staying beneath the first apron for the 23-24 season (hard-capped because used full mle). I'm still holding out hope for the Brunson - PG - OG - Julius - iHart starting lineup.
But you are definitely right that if we get to new league year, there's no PG trade that doesn't include Julius (unless something terrible happens and we lose OG and/or iHart).
Could PG be a backup if the Knicks decided not to resign OG? And if I'm the Knicks and spending $50 million per, I'd check back in with Minnesota on KAT and play him full time at the 5. Trade Mitch, don't sign iHart and find a reasonably priced backup.
Great newsletter, Jon. Don't think you'll exactly be getting "rest" this offseason, but hope the new approach at least encourages some folks to fork over a grand total of $5 per month for the best basketball newsletter out there!
Ha...you're too kind Bobby, really. I will absolutely take a break for the 2 weeks I'm vacationing after summer league, just gotta pre-write some stuff after FA ends for those weeks. It's a labor of love, as always
Great stuff as always!!! But the PG stuff confused me. Couldn’t we package Mitch and Bogey - about $34M there - and a signed and traded Burkes (sp?) for... $14M, or exactly whatever the difference is? Also re: OGA wanting a bigger role on offense - he’s already a pretty good 3 pt shooter from the corners. Do we think he has the handle, etc., to be that third star, eliminating the need for PG? And if we chase PG, does that mean OGA really might be dissatisfied here? Finally, we need someone to help the offense from falling off a cliff when JB rests, but aren’t we vastly more likely to trade / sign a FA for that than draft for it? Seems like we need to restock the cupboard with super talented guys who might need a year or two, but who could do well in an ‘in case of emergency’ situation. Guys like Ware / Filipowski / Holmes, and / or Dunn / Scheierman / Ajay Mitchell. While FA targets are folks like Marshall in NO, Hayward, or Anderson from Minn. Just a thought. Thanks !!!
Answering tomorrow!
…oh and also… take more time off. I thoroughly value and love the effort you put in, but spend some more time with that beautiful family of yours. The offseason nonsense is mostly just that.
That's really kind and thoughtful of you to say (and it means extra because you've been such an incredible supporter for so long). I'll definitely take a breather when the time is right!
Do it. I’d love to say that I’m a long term supporter out of the goodness of my heart but the KFS experience, content and team you’ve built is second to none. Supporting good people like you guys who create a great, passion driven experience in good times and in bad is a no-brainer.
Too too TOO kind. Can't say it enough, but thank you.
Jon, what did you think of Rokas’ performance for Lithuania yesterday?
Still breaking down the tape. On my 4th watch.
I think I wet myself when I saw “ Mitch for Deni Avdija.” I’m a huge Deni fan
Same Ray, I really would love to see Deni skillset on our bench unit- very intriguing
That dude is GOOD and IDK why Washington would let him go
My guess is the FO is gauging the return for Mitch but are not gonna move him for a piece that doesn’t make sense. Better to have him as an A+ backup to IHart and someone that can step up if IHart goes down. I’m really not in love with moving Randle + value for PG. I’d rather run it back with Julius fully rebuilt and adjust if the chemistry isn’t there. I’d prefer to stick and have both Mitch and Randle grow their value and move off them closer to their peaks. My hope for this team is to add better bench players around the periphery rather than go for the big swing.
PG report sounds like Knicks for Clicks to me.
Reading this morning’s piece, it’s hilarious that Hart and Donte are among the most untradeable players in the NBA because of who they’re friends with. Also hilarious that all Knicks fans are totally good with it.
To me, the PG stuff is tough because you have to pay to acquire him and then pay more than you’re comfortable with to keep him. That’s why I don’t think anything gets done with the Knicks. Overpaying a 34 year old PG for several years is how franchises get ruined. Is an OG sign and trade to LAC for PG at 1 year a workable deal (with PG opting in)? It’s scary because we’d basically have him for one year, but he’s an even better fit than OG.
I think it's a little more than who they're friends with. Culturally, both guys are vital. There also aren't 5 guys in the league who give you what Hart does from an energy standpoint, and Donte might be a top 5 bargain contract in the league. It's just really tough to envision replacing them and not losing something really significant.
Not trying to be too simplistic about it, but guys like Donte are EXACTLY the types of guys who teams with disgruntled superstars (i.e. Paul George) would want thrown into a trade. I love Donte, but if faced with the choice of having to trade one of him or Randle for PG, I think common sense is that you trade Randle (I know it’s not that simple). The fact that it’s generally understood that a 3x All Star in his prime is more gettable than Donte is just telling.
I agree that it’s more than just being Brunson’s friend. Those three are the culture.
Common sense is that you trade Donte***
Loved the draft preview, Jon! Many assume that the Knicks will use one of their picks to trade out of the draft, but is it possible to trade the #25 pick for even a heavily protected future first? Is there any precedent for this, and do you think we could get a future first in exchange for #25 and #38 if not?
I think FAR more likely is they move 24 or 25 for multiple future 2nds OR they package 24 or 25 with another protected first they have for a better (but still protected) first down the line
Thanks, draft picks and PG aside[ by the way where has he won anything except on a USA team], can you imagine Clyde intoning: The Knicks' offense is really Rokas and rolling!
My fan dream priorities remain: Fit, Character, Ability, Health.
The Knicks need basketball smart guys, for their offense, for their defense, for late game situational plays. They've lost far too many tight, winnable games because guys on the floor didn't make the right read or right play. That's what the playoffs are all about.
I definitely think there's a world where Rokas comes over next season, but I wonder if the money they can give him on the 2nd round exception is enough to tempt him
Some guys play for the money
Others for their fame
And the very very special few
Do it:
For the love of the GAME.
No brighter lights.
Ball like a Rokstar.!
Peace out.
If OKC is really looking for a backup center, trading Mitch for draft compensation would allow the Knicks to work on a sign n trade with the clippers for PG with less money? Something like 35M a year.
What I’m wondering it is if using Mitch as a Cap reliever would allow the knicks to trade for PG13 without randle and/or nova boys
They'd still need Randle for salary purposes because if you're moving Mitch to OKC, there's no other way to build up enough money to get PG
Ian’s mentioning of Washington’s interest in Mitch was the most meaningful Knicks reporting this past weekend-
If we were to trade Randle and Bogy (or Mitch) for PG13, I suppose 1.) OG would be our full time 4, which means 2.) he’d be playing out of position, 3.) the cost to re-sign him probably goes up, and 4.) with J Hart the primary backup for both PG13+OG, we wouldn’t really have an option to play BIG. Is PG13+OG+JH really better than OG+Julius+JH? I wonder.
It's a very fair question and brings about the logical conclusion that they'd need to go out and get another rotation player, and probably a traditional 4 (or maybe a 4/5 swing piece).
I have the vision of a naked mole rat so take me with a grain of salt but I just don't see losing OG or IHart nor bringing in Paul George.
Forgive me if you and Jeremy got to this already, I've not finished the pod yet today. I am pretty sure that we could trade for PG at the draft for Mitch + Bojan as returning salary. We wouldn't be hard-capped for the 24-25 season, while also staying beneath the first apron for the 23-24 season (hard-capped because used full mle). I'm still holding out hope for the Brunson - PG - OG - Julius - iHart starting lineup.
But you are definitely right that if we get to new league year, there's no PG trade that doesn't include Julius (unless something terrible happens and we lose OG and/or iHart).
will address in tomorrow's newsletter!
Could PG be a backup if the Knicks decided not to resign OG? And if I'm the Knicks and spending $50 million per, I'd check back in with Minnesota on KAT and play him full time at the 5. Trade Mitch, don't sign iHart and find a reasonably priced backup.
touched on this today!