The Knicks are one of the few teams in the league that could potentially push for a blockbuster trade, after all, the Knicks haven't played the performance they want to see so far this season, which means they need to make a move before the trade deadline.
But the question is, what kind of deals do the Knicks need to push for to turn things around? The advice given by US media Kenneth Tip is to promote a deal with the Timberwolves involving Carl Anthony Downs:
Knicks get: Carl Anthony Towns, Jack Lehman, Josh Okogie, Jordan McLaughlin
Timberwolves get: Evan Fournier, Norlens Noir, Kevin Knox II, Obie Topping, Emanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, 2022 first-round picks, 2023 first-round picks (from the Lone Rangers), 2024 first-round picks
Pushing all-Star players won't be easy for any team, and in this deal, the Knicks will need to sacrifice up to 6 players and 3 future first-round picks to push for a deal involving Towns, but the Knicks can strengthen 3 Tough players in addition to getting Downs.
The Timberwolves may be the only team to push for a trade with the Knicks without RJ Barrett in return, after all, the Timberwolves already have a young player with top talent prospects like former Champion Anthony Edwards, and the Timberwolves will continue to build a lineup around Edwards in the coming season.
Overall, it would be a move that would be clearly good for both the Knicks and timberwolves, at least if Downes asked for a deal, and the Timberwolves and Knicks pushed such a deal would still allow the team to fully rebuild again.