New York Knicks Can Still Trade For LeBron James

The New York Knicks, after hiring Mike Brown as head coach, are exploring ways to further improve their roster. Their history of making a major trade for Karl-Anthony Towns just before training camp suggests they could pursue another significant deal.

Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale proposed a specific trade scenario: sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for LeBron James. Favale acknowledged that this swap would make the Knicks significantly older, but argued it addresses their need for another ball-handler to reduce reliance on Jalen Brunson, noting Jordan Clarkson's limited impact. He also suggested Knicks president Leon Rose might value the flexibility of LeBron's expiring contract compared to Towns' long-term financial commitment.

Favale contended that while losing Towns would require adjusting their big-man rotation, the Knicks could manage with the recent addition of Guerschon Yabusele, Mitchell Robinson's health, and a veteran-minimum slot available after the trade.

The article notes that if the Knicks had serious interest in LeBron, a deal might have already occurred, but acknowledges that plans frequently change in the NBA. Acquiring LeBron in such a trade would be a major shock to both conferences, giving the Knicks the NBA's all-time leading scorer to help push them towards an NBA Finals victory. However, acquiring LeBron wouldn't guarantee success beyond making the Knicks competitive in what is described as a wide-open Eastern Conference next season.