Brian Windhorst Expects Star Player To Demand Trade To Knicks Within Next 12 Months

The New York Knicks have had a better than expected first half of the 20-21 season under Tom Thibodeau and could be in position to acquire a star in the near future.

“Here’s the thing,” said Brian Windhorst on his podcast. “They have one of the top former agents in the league running the organization in Leon Rose.

“Their number two in their team, I’m not sure what Wes Wesley’s title is, but his speciality is relationship building with players. Even if it has waned a little bit as he’s gotten older, his speciality is relationship building. And I don’t want to say ‘backroom dealing’ because that implies that it is sinister. But he’s known for working in the shadows.

“They play in New York City. They have an abundance of draft picks, young assets and cap space.

“The only sort of flaw in here is I’m not sure every player wants to play for Thibs, but there are some who like them.

“I say within the next 12 months a star, slash, superstar player demands a trade to New York. And I don’t know who it’s going to be. I have some guesses. I’m not going to say right here. I’ll let you guys start thinking about that. Let’s just put it this way: league executives certainly have some guesses.

“I say by next year’s trade deadline a superstar, an All-Star tries to force his way there. They’re going to be in position to do that type of trade and maybe that’s where Julius Randle comes in [as a trade piece].”