Why New York Knicks Walked Away From Jrue Holiday Trade
Earlier this month, Jrue Holiday was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Boston Celtics for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick. It was the end of an eventful offseason for Holiday, who was previously dealt to Portland in the trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Before that deal, the New York Knicks were engaged in talks to acquire the All-Star guard balked at the idea of including one of their starting lineup staples.
Per Ian Begley of SNY, one of the key pieces of the trade for the Knicks would have involved starting center Mitchell Robinson, who has been in his fair share of hypothetical deals as New York management continues to hunt for a superstar to complement its current core.
"Obviously, nothing came to fruition there," Begley wrote. "But any team talking to the Knicks about a significant deal will probably ask about Robinson."
Holiday (L) guarded by Knicks defender Evan Fournier during a 2022 game
Benny Sieu, USA TODAY SPORTS
With Robinson involved in countless proposals, it can be easy to forget the impact that he brings. Through the Knicks first two preseason games, the team outscored their opponents by 16 points when he was on the floor. It might be a blessing in disguise that the trade talks for Holiday fell through.
Knicks guard Quentin Grimes talked more about Robinson's impact in an interview during training camp.
“He’s probably the most important guy on the team, honestly,” Grimes said. “He definitely anchors the defense and just knowing when we’re in the pick-and-roll coverage, I know he’s got my back if I get beat. So having a guy like that protecting the paint and altering shots, it makes my job a lot easier to pressure up (opponents as a defender and) make it uncomfortable for them because I know he’s got my back.”
Holiday, a five-time All-Defensive team nominee, would've also brought great defense to the Knicks. But the Knicks' depth in the backcourt is far from an issue with Donte DiVincenzo joining the fold alongside the returning RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley. If Robinson was moved, the Knicks would likely start reliable depth man Isaiah Hartenstein but the interior picture behind is far murkier: Jericho Sims is the only other listed center on the current roster and other tall camp bodies include the inexperienced Nathan Knight, Isaiah Roby, and Jacob Toppin.
Even though Holiday would have been a great pickup, the Knicks might need to reflect on what they need more before engaging in any more trade talks involving Robinson.
Robinson and the Knicks (1-2) close out their preseason slate on Wednesday night at home against the Washington Wizards (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
