The New York Knicks are reportedly considering potential trade targets for future NBA offseasons. Fred Katz from The Athletic compiled a list of possible candidates, emphasizing that these players are likely long-term options.
One key name to watch is Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, especially as the Suns struggle with a high payroll and limited success. Katz identified Booker as a prime target for the Knicks if he ever becomes available.
“Booker, if Phoenix ever chose to trade him, would be the obvious name for the Knicks,” Katz explained in a June 17, 2024 article titled, “Devin Booker? Brandon Ingram? Which stars could the Knicks target and how would they fit?” He noted that Booker is a proven superstar, having finished in the top four of MVP voting and made two All-NBA teams by age 27. Additionally, Booker is represented by CAA, the same agency once led by Knicks president Leon Rose.
“Devin Booker, if Phoenix ever chose to trade him, would become the obvious name for the Knicks.”
— @FredKatz pic.twitter.com/uxTpT5jEMn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 17, 2024
However, there are significant salary cap challenges to acquiring Booker. Phoenix is unlikely to reset their roster this offseason, but circumstances could change in 2025 if their performance remains stagnant. Booker’s four-year, $221 million contract extends through the 2027-28 season, complicating any potential trade.
Devin Booker walks through his game winning shot against the Knicks in MSG🗽🍎
— 𝒟ℯ𝓁𝓊𝓈𝒾ℴ𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝒮𝓅ℴ𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝓃 (@Hoopsfan800) March 6, 2024
“As teams worry about the impact of exceeding the second apron on their flexibility, changes to the first apron also pose challenges,” Katz noted. “Teams above the first apron cannot take in more money than they give out in trades, making it nearly impossible for two such teams to trade directly with each other.”
For the Knicks to acquire Booker, they would need to significantly adjust their roster to stay below the first apron next summer.
"I could see it happening… but there's not a push to trade Julius Randle"
– @FredKatz of @TheAthletic on where the 2x All-Star factors in the Knicks offseason plans pic.twitter.com/TqlPfT0upJ
— x-Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSkool) May 25, 2024
Currently, Julius Randle remains the Knicks’ most valuable trade asset. Despite missing most of the 2023-24 season due to a shoulder injury, Randle has made two consecutive All-Star teams and three in the past four years. With two years left on his four-year, $117 million contract, Randle could become a free agent in 2025 due to a player option. The Knicks will need to decide whether to trade Randle or extend his contract.