Knicks fans must stop fussing about Devin Booker trade rumors amid playoff run

The New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after an emotional win in Game 6 of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers And yet, some members of the media, as well as some Knicks’ fans, continue to focus on all the wrong things. Case in point, Stephen A. Smith recently introduced the idea that a Devin Booker-to-the-Knicks trade could manifest this offseason. This is a dated way of thinking for anyone around the Knicks, who could match their deepest postseason run in more than 20 years with one more win. 

To be fair, Booker could end up in New York next season. And he would almost certainly complete the best backcourt in the NBA and set the Knicks up for dominance for the foreseeable future. Objectively, that would be wonderful. But it takes for granted everything that’s going right for the Knicks right now.

Knicks fans have a right to be impatient

Simply put, now is not the time for hypothetical offseason moves or trade ideas. The Knicks need focus and determination. And for fans, it is time to enjoy the fruits of the Knicks’ labors. We all stuck around through Phil Jackson. Many of us were here for Isaiah Thomas. Some of us were even here for the Scott Layden years. 

After 16 losing seasons since 2002-03, now is the time to lock in for quality playoff basketball. Gone are the days of looking ahead to the draft (thankfully). And gone are the days of dreaming about adding star players. This is the team. There is no need to look around for complimentary players before the season ends. The grass is not greener elsewhere. This is it —  and it’s pretty perfect as currently constructed.

With that being said, it is an understandable symptom stemming from years of suffering. Knicks fans are not used to success. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve nice things.

Jalen Brunson is a legitimate star, whether Becky Hammon thinks so or not. Coach Thibodeau is one of the best coaches in the NBA, despite the fact that he didn’t qualify as a Coach of the Year finalist. Miles McBride is a legitimate NBA player, regardless of whether Shaquille O’Neal had heard of him before the playoffs or not. And the rest of the Knicks all deserve the attention they are receiving, despite narratives that suggest the contrary.

New York officially advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, and they could advance further.

A healthy Julius Randle could  push Knicks into title contention