A Trade The New York Knicks Must Consider

I believe the New York Knicks should try to trade for Daniel Gafford (Washington Wizards).

The New York Knicks have gotten off to a solid start to the 2023-24 NBA season and are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 16-12 record in 28 games.

However, they are playing without starting center Mitchell Robinson, and Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that he is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Robinson is a massive part of their team and has averages of 6.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 59.2% 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

I believe that the Knicks should try to acquire Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards. 

Why? 

Gafford is only 25 years old and is currently averaging 11.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.2 blocks per contest while shooting 69.3% from the field in 25 games. 

However, the Wizards have been among the worst teams in the league and have a 5-23 record in their first 28 games, which has them as the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Based on how the Wizards have played, I believe they should try to get assets for Gafford since the team will likely miss the 2024 NBA playoffs. 

The Knicks are coming off a season where they made the second round of the NBA playoffs and have a legitimate chance to make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals (or further).  

Gafford would fill the void of Robinson.  

A hypothetical trade could be centered around the Knicks sending Quentin Grimes (or Immanuel Quickley), Evan Fournier and draft picks to the Wizards for Gafford (and salary).   

More on the New York Knicks can be read here