In an odd hot take, Golden State Warriors legend Draymond Green believes the New York Knicks are a “dark horse” to make a blockbuster trade for Ja Morant.
With Trae Young getting sent to the Washington Wizards last week, the trade chatter has shifted to Morant because he is expected to be the next big-name star moved. Especially after reports emerged in the last few days that the Memphis Grizzlies are taking offers on the talented yet difficult guard.
A potential trade was actually a topic of discussion on a new edition of Draymond Green’s podcast this week. And the multi-time champion offered up a confusing team that should be seen as a “dark horse” contender despite no links to a trade so far.
“A dark horse I’d throw out is the New York Knicks,” he said. “I haven’t seen any reports linking them, but imagine Ja Morant at Madison Square Garden. That’s box office. Needless to say, if Ja Morant is traded, whatever team lands him instantly gets better. Make no mistake—when you have that level of talent, your team improves overnight.”
Why a NY Knicks Trade For Ja Morant Makes No Sense
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On paper, the idea of Jalen Brunson and Ja Morant in the same backcourt seems tantalizing. Two deadly scorers, who seem unstoppable at times, teaming up. Plus, Knicks fans got to see such an idea win them their last championship when Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe were paired up in the early 1970s.
However, that was an outlier, and pairing up two gifted scorers who want the ball in the same backcourt can be a nightmare scenario. NY Knicks fans also saw that when they traded for three-time All-Star Steve Francis in 2006. His pairing with fellow star guard Stephon Marbury was an unmitigated disaster.
Yet, beyond the potential dangers in trying to build chemistry between Brunson and Morant, New York simply doesn’t need him. Right now, the Knicks are the fifth-best scoring team in the NBA. Putting up points is not a problem this season, and being an impact player on offense is all Morant does.
In reality, the NY Knicks could use game-changing players in the post to improve their defense. That is why we recently suggested a trade for Morant’s teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. actually makes sense for them before next month’s trade deadline.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos