The New York Knicks emerged victorious in a recent fake trade despite having to sacrifice All-Star Julius Randle. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested a trade that would send Randle to the Dallas Mavericks in return for Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, P.J. Washington, and two future second-round picks. Partially attributed to New York Knicks player Jeremy Brener on SI, Swartz supported the value the team would receive by stating this:
With Hartenstein gone, the Knicks need a new center. Gafford (11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 72.5 percent shooting) can play both as a starter and a backup. Washington is a reliable rotation forward with 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks. The 22-year-old Hardy has talent and a strong scoring punch off the bench.
Daniel Gafford might start at center for the Knicks following his record-breaking 2023–24 season.
Gafford would fill a center-level need for the Knicks. With a 72.5 percent field goal percentage in the previous season, the 6-11 big man led the league in efficiency. On 6.5 shot attempts per game, he achieved this. The 25-year-old not only successfully cleaned the glass but also added 2.2 blocks to his rap sheet. Gafford is youthful, athletic, and a good fit for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s ideal center. His efficiency in pick-and-roll situations would greatly enhance the play of All-Star Jalen Brunson. Although Gafford was only two field goals short of Wilt Chamberlain’s 57-year-old record, he nevertheless set a challenge.
