The New York Knicks are getting some wing help as they try to bounce back from a disappointing first half of the 2021-22 NBA season. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks have made a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire forward Cam Reddish.
Besides Reddish, the Knicks are also getting veteran Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-round pick via Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal. The Hawks, on the other hand, will receive Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-rounder pick via the Charlotte Hornets in exchange.
Reddish, the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft, was in the midst of a productive year with Atlanta that saw him average career-high in points (11.9) and shooting career-bests 37.9 percent from the three-point line and 40.2 percent from the floor. But this didn’t stop the Hawks from shopping around in recent weeks. According to reports, before they pulled the trigger on the trade with the Knicks, the Hawks also had talks with the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The reason why Atlanta opted to move from Reddish might have something to do with their envious deep at the wing positions that were preventing the Duke product from carving an impactful role on the team. But the more significant issue was reportedly his contract. Reddish will become eligible for an extension after the 2021-22 season and is expected to command much more money than the Hawks can or are willing to offer.
Instead of having an underused player that might have high demands, the Hawks opted to take the first-rounder and a talented player in Knox who still didn’t show his true potential. It wouldn’t be surprising if neither remains in Atlanta for too long, as many believe the team is hoarding assets to acquire a player that can have a bigger impact.
On the other hand, the Knicks get a talented player that should immediately improve their team. They are also in the position to offer Reddish the extension he wants in the summer if they like what they see.
