A Trade The Knicks And Warriors Must Consider

I believe the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors should make a trade.

The Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a slow start to the season and are currently the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 16-17 record in their first 33 games. 

Recently, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the team will be without 2022 NBA Champion Gary Payton II for an extended period.  

Warriors G/F Gary Payton II will miss several weeks due to a left hamstring strain, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Tough blow for Golden State and Payton, who just returned over the weekend after missing one month with calf injury. pic.twitter.com/KsRpbtgfvA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2024

I believe the Warriors should try to make a trade with the New York Knicks to acquire Josh Hart. 

Why? 

Payton II is an important part of the team, so his absence is a significant loss.  

Josh Hart, who is currently averaging 7.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest for the Knicks, would be the perfect addition to replace Payton II. 

"I can play 48 if you want me to!"

Josh Hart was locked in during the 2023 postseason 😤#BestOfNBA pic.twitter.com/VlZISXAQp8

— NBA (@NBA) September 2, 2023

The Knicks are the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 19-15 record in their first 34 games. 

They are playing without starting center Mitchell Robinson, who Charania reported is expected to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season.  

The Warriors have Kevon Looney, who could be an ideal replacement for Robinson. 

Looney is a three-time NBA Champion and is currently averaging 5.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest while shooting 58.1% from the field. 

The New York Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million as the franchise projects center Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major development as Robinson had ankle surgery last week. pic.twitter.com/8EvjWfI9qA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2023

Looney is an essential player for the Warriors, but rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis has shown he is capable of being the team's starting center. 

The former Indiana star has put up at least ten points and four rebounds in seven of the previous eight games. 

TRAYCE JACKSON-DAVIS DENIAL!@warriors up 2 with 2 minutes left in OT.

What a game on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/KcohuAMoJi

— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2023

A hypothetical trade centered around Hart and Looney would be a win-win for both the Warriors and the Knicks. 

More on the New York Knicks can be read here