The New York Knicks are set to head into the 2024-25 NBA season with their current center rotation intact, which includes Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims. However, this closely watched depth chart may change before the season opener or by next season’s trade deadline.
Knicks: Report suggests Blazers C DeAndre Ayton could land on the trade block in 2024-25
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton could become expendable soon due to his performance and situation in Rip City, making the Knicks a potential suitor for the former Arizona standout. Bondy noted that while Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, has been underwhelming compared to players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he possesses rare physical attributes for a center. Additionally, he plays for a struggling team with an excess of centers, which may prompt the Blazers to make moves if they continue to face challenges.
The Knicks would thrive with Ayton as their featured center for many reasons
Pursuing Deandre Ayton would be a sensible move for the Knicks on several fronts. Most notably, the team is led by last season’s MVP candidate, Jalen Brunson, who thrives on using the pick-and-roll to create scoring opportunities.
Ayton would complement Jalen Brunson well in this regard. Few centers in the league are as skilled at finishing on rolls to the basket as Ayton. He boasts a versatile scoring arsenal, from a floater at 10 feet to a fundamentally sound hook shot, and he can effectively pick-and-pop from 15-18 feet, while also finishing powerfully at the rim.
However, Ayton has struggled with his shooting, holding a career three-point percentage of just 24.4%. This is surprising given his ability to stretch the floor during his college days. At only 26, he has yet to reach his prime, leaving room for growth in his shooting as he continues to develop in the league.
Adding Ayton would help the Knicks maintain their status as an elite rebounding team, as he averaged 11.1 rebounds per game in 2023-24, which would have ranked seventh in the league had he qualified. While he only recorded 0.8 blocks per game last season, Ayton is still a capable rim protector, and his energy and skills on defense provide a solid foundation for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau to build upon.
Ayton is the second Blazers big man linked to the Knicks, following Robert Williams III. While Williams might be a better fit due to his minimal offensive needs and exceptional defense, Ayton offers the Knicks a fringe All-Star-caliber center who can score efficiently and fulfill the team’s requirements for a featured big man in a title chase. Additionally, he would serve as a reliable No. 2 option should Knicks All-Star Julius Randle or Mikal Bridges face injuries next season.
What it would take for the Knicks to acquire Ayton
Given Ayton’s contracts of $34 million and $35.5 million over the next two seasons, Julius Randle, with his salaries of $28.9 million and $30.9 million during the same period, would likely need to be the centerpiece of any deal for Ayton.
Alternatively, a trade could include Randle or a package featuring current Knicks starting center Mitchell Robinson and breakout shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, which would meet the financial requirements.
If Portland’s front office isn’t swayed by that package, the Knicks might consider moving on from Randle—whose name has surfaced in trade rumors all offseason. This would allow the Knicks to focus on their marquee acquisition, Mikal Bridges, aiming for him to replicate his 26.1 points per game from his time with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23, while hoping Ayton can develop into a consistent 20 and 10 performer.
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