The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons have engaged in an unprecedented number of trades since Leon Rose took over the Knicks' front office in 2020. These trades, four in total involving player exchanges, have profoundly shaped both franchises' rosters and their current playoff positions. The partnership is a significant turnaround from a 34-year gap in trades between the two teams.
These trades facilitated the Knicks' ability to sign Jalen Brunson, a key player contributing to their playoff run.
The Pistons, in turn, acquired two current starting players through these trades with the Knicks.
The article highlights the ironic situation where both teams must overcome the impact of their past collaborative trades to succeed in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.