The New York Knicks have a ton of first-round picks in hopes of acquiring a star player this offseason. With Julius Randle’s contract and those first-round selections, they might position themselves to be considered for any available players.

Owen Stiftar of Bleacher Report has proposed a trade in which the Knicks would get Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Randle and additional items.

However, the Jazz receive a minimum one-year rental from Julius Randle. Of course, he could make a good mentor for Taylor Hendricks and Walker Kessler.

John Collins off the bench, among other players,” Stiftar remarked. “And after that, you receive some draft capital, correct? Here we have a pick swap with New York and at least one unprotected first.

“The Knicks receive some much-needed shooting. Lauri Markkanen isn’t exactly a Tom Thibodeau player, and he’s not a particularly good defender either, am I right? However, he will provide you with the much-needed spacing in an offense that has kind of switched to an offensive strategy of four outs and one in since Randle’s injury.

He may be Jalen Brunson’s ideal pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop sidekick. Given the significant improvement in his game over the last two seasons, Markkanen, the 2022–23 Most Improved Player, is expected to be in high demand by numerous organizations.

If the New York Knicks were considering a deal for Markkanen, their only concern would be his trade value. Despite being a three-time All-Star and a member of two All-NBA teams, Randle has the advantage in this regard. However, Markkanen is two years younger and has scored similarly in the last two seasons.

Markkanen is worth four or five first round selections and a star-caliber player, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

“Overall, Markkanen is worth so much to the Jazz that it will likely require an offer that is unlikely to come through to get him out of the team. A star-caliber player is expected to arrive, along with four or five first-round selections, Jones reported on May 3. “Markkanen is a 7-footer with a volume of 40% 3-point shooting.”

In that scenario, the Knicks have enough draft picks to complete the deal, but adding Randle would come at a significant cost.

Markkanen is one of those players that can get right in and contribute to any squad. Given his height and ability to stretch the floor, he is a perfect fit for the New York Knicks.

He can also shoot the ball at a high level, so a two-man game with Jalen Brunson would be among the greatest in basketball history.

Give Me Sports’ Robert Zschoche stated that Markkanen “would be a perfect fit” for the Knicks.

On May 22, Zach Zschoche stated, “Markkanen would be a perfect fit at the power forward spot for the Knicks and would give them a three-level scorer they desperately need.” “Markkanen is far better and more efficient at it than Randle, who is currently their second option. Randle provides the exact same skill.”