The New York Knicks are in the midst of a championship window.
Thanks to Jalen Brunson taking a [historic pay cut,](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40547744/knicks-jalen-brunson-accepts-1565m-113m-less-25-deal) they have the financial flexibility to add to their Eastern Conference Finals team, and they certainly have this Summer.
They can also make some trades, and Sports Illustrated recently proposed a hypothetical package that would involve them shipping out a fan-favorite player for a young player with serious upside.
Knicks Trade Idea Lands Tari Eason in Exchange for Josh Hart
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Dave Holcomb of SI proposed a deal that would have the Knicks send forward Josh Hart to the Houston Rockets for forward Tari Eason, in what would be a one-for-one swap with no draft picks involved.
"The most realistic Hart trade this summer is one where the Knicks receive a younger forward with future upside. But that forward also has to possess the ability to contribute immediately." [Wrote](https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/nba/nba-mock-trade-new-york-knicks-josh-hart-houston-rockets-tari-eason) Holcomb.
"Meanwhile, the acquiring team for Hart has to value his experience and leadership over the upside they are losing in the other forward. The Rockets potentially fit that description. Eason is a former first-round pick who is only 24 years old. He improved last season to average 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.7 blocks per game."
While Eason has possible All-Star upside, the Knicks are a team looking to contend right now. The LSU product would be great for the long-term outlook of New York, but Hart provides elite rebounding and great defense for a Knicks team that needs it, especially in the postseason.
If New York were to get off to a bad start or their playoff hopes were dashed by injury, this would be a good trade for them to make. But if they're looking to crack the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, hanging onto Hart would be their best bet.