As the NBA offseason approaches, the New York Knicks are once again poised to make moves that could reshape their roster. After an impressive 2023-2024 season that saw them make a strong playoff push, Knicks fans are eagerly anticipating what could come next for their beloved team. The front office, led by Leon Rose, has an opportunity to strengthen the Knicks further, and one name that has recently surfaced in trade rumors is defensive wing Cody Martin from the Phoenix Suns.
With the Knicks in need of further bolstering their defense, especially on the perimeter, Martin’s name is intriguing, especially given his $31 million salary and defensive prowess. However, acquiring a player of his caliber could come at a steep price. The Knicks may have to make some difficult decisions, potentially including the departure of a beloved rookie to make the deal work.
This blog post will dive into why Cody Martin could be an excellent fit for the Knicks, how his potential acquisition might unfold, and the role that a rookie trade might play in bringing him to New York.
The Case for Cody Martin
Cody Martin is not a household name like some of the NBA’s biggest stars, but he’s the type of player that championship teams often covet— a versatile, defensive-minded wing who can impact the game without needing to dominate the ball. In a league where defense often gets overlooked, especially in the high-scoring, fast-paced environment of the modern NBA, players like Martin are invaluable.
1. Defensive Prowess
One of the biggest reasons the Knicks could be interested in acquiring Cody Martin is his ability to lock down opposing players. Over the past few seasons, Martin has solidified himself as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders. Standing at 6’5″ with an impressive wingspan, Martin is able to guard multiple positions and provide disruption on the defensive end. Whether it’s defending against shooting guards, small forwards, or even some power forwards, Martin’s defensive versatility has earned him significant respect from coaches, teammates, and analysts.
New York’s defense was one of the highlights of their 2023-2024 campaign. With coach Tom Thibodeau’s emphasis on defensive schemes, the Knicks finished among the top teams in defensive rating. However, they still struggled at times against some of the league’s top wings, especially those who could stretch the floor. Martin could help alleviate this issue, as his ability to guard on the perimeter would be a valuable asset. His length and agility would allow the Knicks to better handle high-scoring wings in the Eastern Conference, such as Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and DeMar DeRozan.
2. Ability to Play Within a System
While Martin isn’t a player who will generate the type of offensive fireworks that some of the league’s stars provide, he is very effective in a system that values team play and defense. The Knicks have a roster that includes high-usage players like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, but Martin would not be required to do much offensively outside of hitting the occasional open shot and moving the ball. His low-maintenance, selfless style of play aligns perfectly with the Knicks’ approach under Thibodeau, who demands players who are willing to buy into a team-first mentality.
As a 3-and-D player, Martin could space the floor by contributing from beyond the arc, which would further complement the Knicks’ offensive sets. His shot hasn’t always been incredibly efficient, but his perimeter shooting has steadily improved, and he’s shown flashes of being a reliable catch-and-shoot option.
3. Salary Considerations and Fit
Cody Martin’s current contract stands at $31 million over three years, a significant figure that makes him a bit of a financial commitment. However, his contract is also structured in a way that gives the Phoenix Suns flexibility and could make him more tradable, especially as they focus on reshaping their roster around a younger core. Martin’s salary could also fit within the Knicks’ plans, especially considering that the team is in need of a reliable wing defender.
For the Knicks, bringing in a player like Martin on a multi-year deal would allow them to address an immediate need while maintaining flexibility for future moves. Moreover, it would provide them with a solid two-way player to complement their existing core of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett. The Knicks’ defense, which has already been a strength, would only get better with a player like Martin in the fold.
The Trade Scenario: Moving a Beloved Rookie
While Cody Martin would undoubtedly fill a need for the Knicks, his acquisition would likely require the team to part ways with a key player. Given that Martin’s $31 million contract is a substantial sum, New York would need to balance the books by moving contracts, and it is likely that the Knicks would have to deal away one of their promising young talents to make the deal work.
A popular candidate for this trade could be Quentin Grimes, a beloved rookie whose potential has captured the hearts of many Knicks fans. Grimes, a second-year player who saw an increased role last season, has become a fan favorite due to his hustle, defense, and ability to stretch the floor. His growth has been a positive story for the Knicks, but unfortunately, his development may not align with the team’s immediate needs.
1. Why Grimes Could Be on the Move
Grimes, while an exciting young player with defensive chops of his own, would likely be a key piece in any trade involving a player like Cody Martin. His contract is manageable, and his potential as a 3-and-D wing makes him an attractive asset for teams looking to improve their defense. With the Knicks already having a solid backcourt with Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley, Grimes could become expendable in the eyes of the front office, especially if it means bringing in a more seasoned player who can contribute immediately.
Moving Grimes would be a tough pill for many Knicks fans to swallow. He has developed a strong connection with the fanbase, and his potential as a long-term contributor is undeniable. However, as we’ve seen in the NBA, the business of basketball often requires tough decisions. While Grimes has shown promise, the Knicks might ultimately choose to move him if they feel that Cody Martin’s defense and veteran presence can provide them with a more immediate upgrade.
2. Other Possible Trade Pieces
In addition to Grimes, the Knicks could also look to move other players to make room for Martin. This could include salary fillers like Evan Fournier, whose contract could be an obstacle in many deals, or potentially even Derrick Rose, depending on the Knicks’ plans with their veteran players. However, moving Grimes would likely be the most straightforward path to acquiring Martin, especially considering the Suns’ desire to add more young talent in return.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for the Knicks?
The potential acquisition of Cody Martin would be a significant move for the Knicks, especially as they look to strengthen their defense and create a more balanced roster for the 2024-2025 season. Martin’s defensive abilities, combined with his modest offensive skill set, would make him a perfect complement to the Knicks’ current core. However, such a deal may require parting ways with a beloved rookie like Quentin Grimes, which could be a tough decision for both the team and its fanbase.
In the end, if the Knicks are serious about contending for an Eastern Conference title, they will need to make calculated moves. Bringing in a player like Martin could be the type of trade that pushes the Knicks closer to championship contention. The challenge, however, lies in balancing the present and future, ensuring that the team remains strong in the short term without sacrificing its long-term potential.
As the summer approaches and the offseason takes shape, Knicks fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if this potential trade materializes and what impact it might have on their team’s future.
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