The basic idea is that Boston moves Walker with hopes to get greater cap flexibility. What your getting from the Knicks isn’t really the point. Basically they space to absorb Walker without forcing Boston to eat a cap crippling contract back.

In this scenario you are mostly getting depth. Neither Knick player is likely to start for Boston, but Toppin could back up both Tristan Thompson and Robert Williams in the Front Court.

Why do the Knick do this? Walker is serious upgrade. The Knicks have a lot of picks but this year showed waiting on long rebuild might be mistake. Randle played great and they made the playoffs. If Walker pushes them to ECF, Knick probably regain their position as a trier 1 FA destination. Plus, Thibbs like to play with ball dominant PG