Knicks · There's going to be a trade (page 15)
The thing people miss with OG is his absolute impact on the court with or without “money stats”. His mere existence on the court changes where players want to move the ball (away from him). His instincts are great. He anticipates where the ball will be passed and has both the length and athleticism to intercept.
Now, he doesn’t have high usage so a lot of rankings will not give him volume based metrics.
What people see is that he has a high dribble that can get disrupted. So his play creation for himself is not elite. Both he and Mikal play up a position to accommodate the lack of a real PF on the roster. They both have the size/wingspan to manage this but it’s kind of dilbert-effecting their roster in terms of positional size.
I have one “no trade” on this roster and it’s OG.
ramtour420 wrote:OG is a key piece for any Championship team. If we trade have him that will set us back, not forward. Here is why. There are no better two way players in thus league. He isn't the best defender ( close) he isn't the best scorer but he is a top 3 two way player. And you need those for real actual success. OG is as untouchable as Brunson and Hart. But for different reasons
^^^ Amen
DLeethal wrote:"2 way" is a very vague term that usually includes any scorer that plays any defense at all or any defender who can hit a shot at all.But you can't name 20 true elite wing defenders who are efficient 15ppg scorers better than OG. There is a difference between a 2 way guy like OG or McDaniels and a "3 & D" guy who can play great D and stand in the corner.
That said, both OG and Mikal are probably closer to the downside of their careers than their upside. Selling on one of those guys early is not crazy IMO. There are lots of ways to build this team and "wingstop" is not a prerequisite. We saw how good we were with a flamethrower SG like prime Dante and another defensive big. You can always retool the lineup. Trading OG gives you some options because he has value.
I agree, OG is unique, but OTOH there are certainly alot of guys that are very good defensively, but have a much better all around offensive game. So if you're asking name guys that are as good or better on D than OG and have at least his offensive game, then yes the list is much shorter with those unique parameters. But in terms of two way players, there are lots of guys that fit the bill. I mean even older guys like Khawi & Lebron can still play very high level D when they need to. The Truth is OG goes through stretches too where he's not locked in, very hard to play elite defense for 82 games.
nycericanguy wrote:DLeethal wrote:"2 way" is a very vague term that usually includes any scorer that plays any defense at all or any defender who can hit a shot at all.But you can't name 20 true elite wing defenders who are efficient 15ppg scorers better than OG. There is a difference between a 2 way guy like OG or McDaniels and a "3 & D" guy who can play great D and stand in the corner.
That said, both OG and Mikal are probably closer to the downside of their careers than their upside. Selling on one of those guys early is not crazy IMO. There are lots of ways to build this team and "wingstop" is not a prerequisite. We saw how good we were with a flamethrower SG like prime Dante and another defensive big. You can always retool the lineup. Trading OG gives you some options because he has value.
I agree, OG is unique, but OTOH there are certainly alot of guys that are very good defensively, but have a much better all around offensive game. So if you're asking name guys that are as good or better on D than OG and have at least his offensive game, then yes the list is much shorter with those unique parameters. But in terms of two way players, there are lots of guys that fit the bill. I mean even older guys like Khawi & Lebron can still play very high level D when they need to. The Truth is OG goes through stretches too where he's not locked in, very hard to play elite defense for 82 games.
I have him as a Top 40 player. Hard to climb without better passing and self creation.
I have him as a top 10 defender overall. Notably, I think PF is out of position for him, he guards 1-4, and takes the toughest assignment.
In terms of perimeter defense, I have him top 3.
In terms of help defense he may be the best in the league.
Most of his minutes come with two average to below average defenders on the court. And an undersized PF. All great players but OG deserves credit for covering much of the defensive weaknesses in that lineup.
EwingsGlass wrote:nycericanguy wrote:DLeethal wrote:"2 way" is a very vague term that usually includes any scorer that plays any defense at all or any defender who can hit a shot at all.But you can't name 20 true elite wing defenders who are efficient 15ppg scorers better than OG. There is a difference between a 2 way guy like OG or McDaniels and a "3 & D" guy who can play great D and stand in the corner.
That said, both OG and Mikal are probably closer to the downside of their careers than their upside. Selling on one of those guys early is not crazy IMO. There are lots of ways to build this team and "wingstop" is not a prerequisite. We saw how good we were with a flamethrower SG like prime Dante and another defensive big. You can always retool the lineup. Trading OG gives you some options because he has value.
I agree, OG is unique, but OTOH there are certainly alot of guys that are very good defensively, but have a much better all around offensive game. So if you're asking name guys that are as good or better on D than OG and have at least his offensive game, then yes the list is much shorter with those unique parameters. But in terms of two way players, there are lots of guys that fit the bill. I mean even older guys like Khawi & Lebron can still play very high level D when they need to. The Truth is OG goes through stretches too where he's not locked in, very hard to play elite defense for 82 games.
I have him as a Top 40 player. Hard to climb without better passing and self creation.
I have him as a top 10 defender overall. Notably, I think PF is out of position for him, he guards 1-4, and takes the toughest assignment.
In terms of perimeter defense, I have him top 3.
In terms of help defense he may be the best in the league.
Most of his minutes come with two average to below average defenders on the court. And an undersized PF. All great players but OG deserves credit for covering much of the defensive weaknesses in that lineup.
all fair rankings
tough to rank him in general though.
think about guys like Brooks, Siakam, Barnes... guys who are very very good on D, can guard multiple positions. but probably have more well rounded offensive games.
Or a guy like Bane, who is a pitbull defensively, and has shown he can put up 23ppg and shoot 40% from 3. Or a guy like Dyson Daniels who is probably the best backcourt defender in the league and still puts up 16/6/6.
OG can change a game when he's locked in, heck so can Mitch. and Mitch is absolutely a two way player even if he can't shoot or create his own shot. His offensive rebounding, screen setting, rolls to the basket and vertical spacing are absolutely game changing for our offense.
Short version: Knicks trying to move him for a couple of seconds and would be willing to include more seconds and/or player like Dadiet if it's a player who they could envision doing stuff on the court that is actually helpful.
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“The Clippers have long been prioritizing their cap space heading into the summer of 2027, and were not willing to give players deals beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had been hoping to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $80 million after this season, sources said, but the Clippers have remained steadfast in their unwillingness to go beyond 2027.”
To me, Zubac is the guy you get now. You can pair him with Kat, JJJ or Giannis depending on how that shakes out. Dunn would also be a possibility in the deal to enhance our POA defense.
chislic wrote:Zubac has been my Giannis pivot. Mitch + Yabu gets you there financially. The Clippers would save an additional $12,954,546 (Mitch's expiring deal) in 2027. Maybe now that Harden wants out the Clippers might be willing to deal.“The Clippers have long been prioritizing their cap space heading into the summer of 2027, and were not willing to give players deals beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had been hoping to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $80 million after this season, sources said, but the Clippers have remained steadfast in their unwillingness to go beyond 2027.”
To me, Zubac is the guy you get now. You can pair him with Kat, JJJ or Giannis depending on how that shakes out. Dunn would also be a possibility in the deal to enhance our POA defense.
no way do you trade Mitch for Zubac, even if Zubac is better all around he's not the game changer come playoff time that Mitch is. crazy that some people still doubt the impact Mitch has, Mitch's impact can be that of a top 15 player come playoff time.
if LA decides to trade Harden to CLE and signal a retooling of sorts, I'd definitely be intrigued by KAT for Khawi. If you're LA and you can turn Khawi & Harden into KAT & Garland, that's not bad considering their window is basically closed now.
We would need to trade Yabu for a backup C though, or maybe even take back Brook Lopez as well from LA.
Another bigger trade could be KAT + Mikal for Khawi + Zubac.
chislic wrote:Zubac has been my Giannis pivot. Mitch + Yabu gets you there financially. The Clippers would save an additional $12,954,546 (Mitch's expiring deal) in 2027. Maybe now that Harden wants out the Clippers might be willing to deal.“The Clippers have long been prioritizing their cap space heading into the summer of 2027, and were not willing to give players deals beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had been hoping to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $80 million after this season, sources said, but the Clippers have remained steadfast in their unwillingness to go beyond 2027.”
To me, Zubac is the guy you get now. You can pair him with Kat, JJJ or Giannis depending on how that shakes out. Dunn would also be a possibility in the deal to enhance our POA defense.
But why would Clips do this? They'll already be under the cap and have enough team options to make that happen.
Zubac is the guy who I'd expect the LAC to build around, right after they move Kawhi too.
martin wrote:chislic wrote:Zubac has been my Giannis pivot. Mitch + Yabu gets you there financially. The Clippers would save an additional $12,954,546 (Mitch's expiring deal) in 2027. Maybe now that Harden wants out the Clippers might be willing to deal.“The Clippers have long been prioritizing their cap space heading into the summer of 2027, and were not willing to give players deals beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had been hoping to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $80 million after this season, sources said, but the Clippers have remained steadfast in their unwillingness to go beyond 2027.”
To me, Zubac is the guy you get now. You can pair him with Kat, JJJ or Giannis depending on how that shakes out. Dunn would also be a possibility in the deal to enhance our POA defense.
But why would Clips do this? They'll already be under the cap and have enough team options to make that happen.
Zubac is the guy who I'd expect the LAC to build around, right after they move Kawhi too.
they wouldnt and we wouldnt either.
martin wrote:chislic wrote:Zubac has been my Giannis pivot. Mitch + Yabu gets you there financially. The Clippers would save an additional $12,954,546 (Mitch's expiring deal) in 2027. Maybe now that Harden wants out the Clippers might be willing to deal.“The Clippers have long been prioritizing their cap space heading into the summer of 2027, and were not willing to give players deals beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had been hoping to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $80 million after this season, sources said, but the Clippers have remained steadfast in their unwillingness to go beyond 2027.”
To me, Zubac is the guy you get now. You can pair him with Kat, JJJ or Giannis depending on how that shakes out. Dunn would also be a possibility in the deal to enhance our POA defense.
But why would Clips do this? They'll already be under the cap and have enough team options to make that happen.
Zubac is the guy who I'd expect the LAC to build around, right after they move Kawhi too.
Zubac is 28 year old. Late prime. (our timeline) By the time LAC will be done building he'll be a 30+. He's good, but not All-Star level talent. I'm just suggesting he might be attainable. Not likely, but also not farfetched. NY's trade proposal wouldn't just be Mitch + Yabu. Other players might be involved. Picks.
His handle is improving and he is finding ways to create. He is improving incrementally which is sneaky. The turnovers are not symptoms of failure, its progress thru attempts.
Same with team making boo boo's thru passing. This is a work in progress still.
Hapoel Tel Aviv in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele?
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Sport5 reports that Hapoel Tel Aviv are in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele over a potential deal.
The forward is described as a high-profile target, with multiple European clubs keeping close tabs on his case. The report frames it as a “big move” Hapoel want to complete in the next few days.
It also notes Panathinaikos AKTOR among the teams linked to the former Real Madrid Baloncesto player.
Sportando
If the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, …
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Matteo Andreani: Hapoel Tel Aviv - Guerschon Yabusele. If the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, Hapoel is ready to make a big offer. Hapoel offer to Yabusele is 2,5m $ until the end of the seasoN and 5 m $ for next year I'm told.
x.com
Rookie wrote:Wait…what? Would this give us salary relief this year?Hapoel Tel Aviv in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele?
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Sport5 reports that Hapoel Tel Aviv are in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele over a potential deal. The forward is described as a high-profile target, with multiple European clubs keeping close tabs on his case. The report frames it as a “big move” Hapoel want to complete in the next few days. It also notes Panathinaikos AKTOR among the teams linked to the former Real Madrid Baloncesto player.
SportandoIf the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, …
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Matteo Andreani: Hapoel Tel Aviv - Guerschon Yabusele. If the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, Hapoel is ready to make a big offer. Hapoel offer to Yabusele is 2,5m $ until the end of the seasoN and 5 m $ for next year I'm told.
x.com
Read something similar.
So this means a buyout? And then Yabu would go to Europe. Seems like a loophole where the Knicks wouldn't need to attach second rounders or take a player back. They could even pay the Israeli team straight $$$ to do this?
And then buyout candidates?
Lonzo Ball joining LaMelo in Charlotte?
Feb. 03, 2026, 3:30 AM EST
Sources say there has been some preliminary conversation between the Cavaliers and Hornets about Ball trade constructions that could furnish Charlotte with second-round draft capital and thus enable the Hornets to pair the elder Ball with his younger brother LaMelo. Charlotte, Brooklyn and Utah, according to league sources, are all teams that have been looking to facilitate multi-team trades or take on unwanted salary in exchange for draft pick compensation.
marcstein.substack.com
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It would be a gift at this point. What we do with it? Perhaps even if we wait for a buyout/Waiver?
More Balls in Charlotte? They have won 7 straight and sit a game behind ATL for last play in. I'd think they are buyers?
What a horrible scenario if those shit sneakers caused his injuries! He was the second over all pick in 2017 behind Fultz! Not only did PHilly take Fultz, they traded up to get him with Boston who took Tatum! 2nd best player that draft was Spida at 14th!!! Crazy draft. Yes, we took Frank!
Cleveland very active this week. Read Jarret Allen could be had. He has 90mil over next 3years after this still on a deal. Someone wrote they worried about Donovan mitchell not extending this summer? he has a player option for 53mm year after next.
Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu Considered Trade ‘Name to Watch’ for Knicks (Reports)
martin wrote:Rookie wrote:Wait…what? Would this give us salary relief this year?Hapoel Tel Aviv in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele?
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Sport5 reports that Hapoel Tel Aviv are in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele over a potential deal. The forward is described as a high-profile target, with multiple European clubs keeping close tabs on his case. The report frames it as a “big move” Hapoel want to complete in the next few days. It also notes Panathinaikos AKTOR among the teams linked to the former Real Madrid Baloncesto player.
SportandoIf the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, …
Feb. 03, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
Matteo Andreani: Hapoel Tel Aviv - Guerschon Yabusele. If the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, Hapoel is ready to make a big offer. Hapoel offer to Yabusele is 2,5m $ until the end of the seasoN and 5 m $ for next year I'm told.
x.comRead something similar.
So this means a buyout? And then Yabu would go to Europe. Seems like a loophole where the Knicks wouldn't need to attach second rounders or take a player back. They could even pay the Israeli team straight $$$ to do this?
And then buyout candidates?
wouldn't a buyout keep his $ on our books though?