The NBA world was taken by storm Friday evening when it was revealed that the New York Knicks had acquired four-time All-Star heart/energy ahead Karl-Anthony Cities from the Minnesota Timberwolves in trade for 3 All-Star energy. ahead Julius Randle, swingman Donte DiVincenzo and a future first-round decide (through the Detroit Pistons), whereas unloading winger (free agent) DaQuan Jeffries and a few stage of future picks to the Charlotte Hornets.
Apparently, the Portland Path Blazers had an asset that New York had additionally thought of as a possible commerce addition for an improve at heart.
Be taught extra: Full particulars of the three-team commerce to ship Karl-Anthony Cities to the Knicks
By Ian Begley of SNY.televisionNew York had apparently been intrigued by the opportunity of buying heart Deandre Ayton for $34 million sooner or later earlier than the Cities deal.
“I might add Ayton to the checklist as a result of the Knicks have been concerned with him – and have completed some substantive work on him – prior to now,”Begley wrote about doable enterprise acquisitions, following information of town’s enterprise breakup. “Ayton averaged 22.7 factors and 12.5 rebounds (3.6 offensive) in 18 video games performed after the All-Star break final season. He shot 58 % from the sector throughout that point and has expertise within the playoffs and NBA Finals.
Ayton is at the moment owed $69.9 million over the ultimate two seasons of his contract. Randle most definitely ought to have been included within the commerce for wage equalization functions, and clearly would have been a little bit of a place redundancy with Portland’s beginning ahead Jerami Grant.
Cities is an elite bounce shooter, whereas Ayton’s jumper has all however deserted him — and he is by no means been an excellent 3-point shooter. Cities, 28, averaged 21.8 factors on hyper-efficient .504/.416/.873 taking pictures splits, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 dimes, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per evening. The 7-footer is an imperfect defender, however New York is clearly banking on his type alongside Jalen Brunson on the opposite finish of the court docket.
Ayton has to date confirmed – as Portland followers can attest – solely intermittently motivated as a scorer, however he has been a significantly better defender occasionally, primarily throughout his tenure with the Phoenix Suns. He is a lot cheaper than Cities, however the two-time All-NBA honoree might be thought of a safer wager.
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