A notable NBA insider and former executive has unexpectedly suggested that the New York Knicks might hold off on replacing former starting center Isaiah Hartenstein until later in the year, potentially targeting a future Hall of Famer from the Western Conference.
The Knicks have had a productive offseason, highlighted by a major trade for Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges and a team-friendly extension for top player Jalen Brunson. However, they experienced a significant loss when Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder for $87 million, leaving a gap that has yet to be filled despite trade rumors in July.
In a recent column for The Athletic, Knicks reporter Fred Katz discussed potential replacement targets with former Memphis Grizzlies executive John Hollinger. Hollinger proposed two intriguing options: Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors or Jusuf Nurkić from the Phoenix Suns.
While Nurkić seems like a plausible choice, the idea of acquiring Green is more speculative, particularly given his recent critical remarks about the Knicks. However, if the Warriors struggle this season, trading Green could become a viable option. Given the Knicks’ defensive focus and the current trend of smaller centers, Green could be a valuable addition to a championship-caliber team. It will be interesting to see how the season unfolds for both the Knicks and the Warriors.
