The NBA at all times finds a method to shock you proper earlier than the season begins. Final 12 months, the Portland Path Blazers traded franchise legend Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Final evening, one 12 months to the day for the reason that Lillard commerce, a fair larger commerce came about. The New York Knicks have reached a deal to ship Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round decide to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the massive Karl-Anthony Cities All-Star recreation.
The Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Cities from Minnesota for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round decide through Detroit, sources inform me and @JonKrawczynski. pic.twitter.com/FafQlY48Y1
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024
That is arguably the most important transfer of your entire offseason and comes simply as coaching camp is about to start within the NBA. The Knicks are going all-in by buying one other All-Star, whereas Minnesota is shaking issues up after reaching the convention finals final 12 months.
This commerce additionally impacts the Atlanta Hawks. This does not have an effect on them so far as standings go, however the Knicks had been among the many groups that appeared all for a attainable commerce for Clint Capela.
It was no secret that the Knicks had been available in the market for a middle as a result of Mitchell Robinson’s damage and one of many facilities they had been linked to was Hawks middle Clint Capela. A commerce was unlikely as a result of wage and hard-to-match cash, however now certainly one of Capela’s potential suitors has stuffed his core want. Except the Hawks get Julius Randle in a commerce, it will be troublesome to get a Capela-Knicks deal accomplished.
I’ve talked in a number of episodes in regards to the Capela/Knicks potentialities.
Know that the 2 sides spoke earlier this summer time and certain once more as soon as it turned clear that Robinson could be out for some time.
However the logistics had been (fairly) troublesome. Do not suppose it received any nearer.
– Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) September 28, 2024
So far as a Capela commerce goes, it looks like the most probably situation is that the Hawks begin the season with him on the roster. Though he is not the identical participant he was three years in the past when the Hawks superior to the convention finals, Capela continues to be an excellent rebounder and rim protector. The Hawks shouldn’t be prepared to surrender on Capela as he nonetheless brings worth to the group whether or not he’s beginning or coming off the bench and Onyeka Okongwu is the starter.
Might the Hawks commerce Capela if the precise deal is made? Completely. Whether or not it is earlier than the season, through the season, or on commerce deadline day, the Hawks may nonetheless make a transfer, it simply will not be with the Knicks.
Who’re the opposite groups to observe? There are at all times shock groups, however New Orleans is an apparent reply and there would definitely be others.
