Favoring chemistry
It isn’t an easy decision. The likely candidates to be traded are Khyri Thomas, Thon Maker, Langston Galloway and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. In the end, Galloway’s expiring $7 million contract becomes a stronger asset as the trade deadline nears so you keep him. Mykhailiuk has the frame of a versatile NBA body, despite only shooting 22.2 percent from 3-point range on 18 shots. You keep him, believing his upside is higher than Thomas’ because of his versatility.
There are several teams you’ve contacted but no teams with cap space are willing to take on a player for an extra pick or pick swap. The Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis sends out an intriguing tweet that says you “could have interest” in New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina.
"Ellis: “Do you have any preliminary thoughts on what move you may make?” You: “It would be interesting to have two Frenchmen that project as two-way players developing together.” Ellis: “Ntilikina did have a strong FIBA showing. Is that who you’re targeting?” You: “We could have interest in him.”"
Before leaking your intentions, you were already on the phone with rookie Knicks GM Scott Perry.
"You: “Are you still shopping Frank?” Perry: “We think he could add a defensive prowess to our lineup.” You: “We’ll give you Khyri, not the one you missed in free agency, and Thon Maker with a 2020 2nd and 2022 2nd.” Perry: “I’ll give it some thought and get back to you.”"
The clock is ticking, on your deals guaranteeing and the Knicks with the report being made known.
Ultimately you get the deal done and have given your roster a hope for the future but also allowed the rotation to become stronger.
If you choose to accept a trade for Ntilikina, click here.
If you choose to decline a trade for Ntilikina, click here.