This year’s trade season has been relatively dry, but the moves made may have indicated the new reality of the market in the apron era.

Dorian Finney Smith, Nick Richards, and Dennis Schroeder—all solid role players—were traded for zero first-round and a net seven second-round picks. The way I see it, firsts have become more important in the new CBA as potential quality and cheap rostered players. And seconds are similarly valuable but with contract flexibility, enabling teams to save more money.

If the Knicks want to improve their chances to compete this season, they have six second-round picks to trade from now until 2028, not to mention the protected first from Washington. But can they find the right deal?

I returned to Fanspo for a final time as we near February 6:

Shoutout to Jeremy Cohen of Knicks Film School, who the user credited for this idea. The Kings could use a solid rim protector at backup center. Mitch could be that while also grabbing offensive boards off of midrange misses by De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan.

This was posted before Sacramento fired Coach Mike Brown. Since, Keon Ellis has seen an uptick in playing time: over six minutes per game more. If the Kings (21-20, ninth in the West) want to ride the recent hot streak, they may be hesitant to deal Ellis. But Robinson, when healthy, would improve their defense, too.

Trey Lyles is shooting under 40% from the field this season. It’s unlikely Tom Thibodeau would play an inefficient stretch four with insignificant defense.

Another user (u/darelle349) suggested Sims and Dadiet for Keon Ellis and two future seconds. This would only make sense if the Kings fizzle out by the trade deadline.

I’ve lumped these two together because they share similar criticism. Would the Knicks, currently just $535,301 below the second apron, want to lock themselves into a $20 million center to experiment with KAT at the four? That’s a huge risk, and the remaining years on their deals would limit future moves to improve the roster on the margins.

You might remember 6’4 Javonte Green dropping 25 points and 13 rebounds in Chicago against the Knicks last April. So naturally, New York could be interested in the scrapper, like when Josh Hart grabbed 19 rebounds at the Garden as a Blazer.

This may be the most realistic deal I’ve seen. For Sims and a second, New York could acquire a player with Thibs-approved energy. He’s also shooting 38.5% from three.

If the Knicks are really shopping Jericho Sims, this might be the best they can do.

The latest reports about Walker Kessler’s availability have been quiet. Nonetheless, since Nick Richards has been traded, Kessler is the only big of his caliber I believe is worth pursuing, and this is the only trade framework I would consider.

To me, Deuce McBride is as close to untouchable as a bench player can get from a talent and cost-effectiveness perspective. So I’d also prefer to trade a Payne or Sims.

Is Kessler worth it? Yes. He makes under $3 million this year and under $5 million next before restricted free agency. That kind of value and team control for a good defensive center would enable the Knicks to do much more. And if Thibs could turn Isaiah Hartenstein into something special defensively, imagine Kessler under his tutelage.

Historically, Jordan Clarkson’s shot selection would not fly under Thibs, but I like the idea of acquiring a shot creator like him and getting Wingstop more rest.

The Jazz don’t have any use for Mitch in their rebuild. If you opened it up to include a third team, I think both Los Angeles teams might want to fill their holes at backup center. The Lakers could only feasibly offer Cam Reddish or oft-injured Jarred Vanderbilt in return.

The Clippers, meanwhile, have an excess of wings and forwards. Would they consider upgrading Mo Bamba to Mitchell Robinson in exchange for Derrick Jones Jr.? Here’s what that would look like:

Corey Kispert, Kenrich Williams, Alec Burks, Mason Plumlee

Mikal Bridges and OG Anonuby at 32-34 minutes per game probably look better than their current forms. Getting them some relief would have intangible effects. The wings above could be trusted to play 10 minutes, and I’m not sure their price tags are too high.

Corey Kispert signed an extension and will make $13-14 million after this season. That’s an okay price for a good shooter and cutter. From the Wizards side, they may want to clear minutes for young players like Kyshawn George and their 2025 draft selection, and clear cap space to sign Julius Randle in the summer (It feels like a move they’d make).

Mason Plumlee is one of four centers on the Suns’ roster. If Mitch is dealt for a wing, he could be a serviceable option.

I think it’s safe to say Mitchell Robinson remains on the roster after February 6, and the Knicks will use this year to test out his fit with KAT. It’s probably best to save assets for the summer and improve the roster with better perspective.

A smaller move might happen, like the Javonte Green one or an Alec Burks reunion. But Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims’ expiring deals won’t net a name that’ll make Knicks fans feel ready to tackle Boston.

Improvement this season, for the most part, will come from within.