The New York Knicks made the most significant move of the summer by trading for Mikal Bridges. After signing Bridges, they re-signed OG Anunoby, forming one of the top wing duos in the NBA.
However, this put them at risk of getting hard-capped on the first apron, which is something teams are attempting to avoid. As a result, the Knicks may consider lowering their payroll. They need to save roughly $4.3 million to avoid the first apron.
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic presented a deal to help them with this. His proposal calls for the Knicks to trade Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, and draft picks to the Detroit Pistons for Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey.
Knicks would get: Duren, Ivey
Pistons would get: Robinson, McBride, 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit), and multiple future second-round picks
“The Knicks have been a popular topic this offseason. They handed up a lot of draft picks to get Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn and are re-signing OG Anunoby, giving the title contenders one of the top wing duos in the NBA,” Edwards said on July 3. “That move, however, puts New York at risk of being hard-capped on the first apron, which, by all accounts, is not something the team is interested in.
“The Knicks must cut around $4.3 million to prevent this. Detroit may take advantage of this given its remaining financial freedom while still meeting needs.
According to Edwards, this move would save the Knicks $6.5 million, which is more than enough to prevent that.
“For New York, this trade sheds $6.5 million in salary, so the financial goal is met. Additionally, per league sources, the Knicks were very interested in Ivey during the 2022 NBA Draft and nearly traded for him,” Edwards wrote.
“A move like this would allow the Knicks to have some young, lottery-pick prospects in the pipeline who can also contribute right now.”
