The Knicks and Hawks are both in the playoffs after Atlanta won its play-in game to secure a date with the Celtics in the first round, but Sal Licata is looking ahead to a potential trade between two Eastern Conference foes.
Amid reports that Hawks star Trae Young could want out of Atlanta, Sal says the Knicks should be ready to pull the trigger on a deal that would bring a “megastar” to the Big Apple.
“Any time a superstar like that becomes available, it’s natural to bring up the Knicks,” Sal said. “I don’t know if it’s realistic or not that the Hawks would consider Trae Young, or if the Knicks would give up what it takes to get Trae Young, but I know this: Trae Young would be a megastar in New York.
“Let’s just say you could swap RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and some picks. Would that get the job done? Would you do that? I think you have to.”
Sal praised Barrett’s work ethic and effort, but the former third overall pick has continued to be a polarizing player on the Knicks given his lack of consistency on the offensive end, and the regression he has seen defensively from last season to this season. at some point, it’s time to wonder if he would find his potential elsewhere, and if it could help bring a player like Young to New York, Sal is all for it.
“I know RJ Barrett still has some potential, but at some point, he has to realize that potential,” Sal said. “If he’s not gonna turn into that guy, then you have to consider trading him.
“A guy like RJ Barrett, you can improve and upgrade that position, and get a guy that can actually shoot. Trae Young, he’s that guy.”
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