The Knicks are eyeing multiple players as Thursday’s trading deadline approaches, but it seems more likely that the front line will move around the margins than a successful trade that could damage the chemistry of the team. Still, business happens quickly, so you always have to be prepared.
The Knicks are at 22-22 and occupying 7th place in the Eastern Conference, as the negotiation deadline approaches. The list could certainly be updated, but at the same time there is no need to rush; reconstruction is going well.
From before: NYK-ORL recently spoke about an agreement involving Fournier; the teams in contact with the NYK were under the impression that the chemistry of the current Knicks group will take into account the movements of the NYK; John Henson, Norvel Pelle among the players on the radar if NYK opens the selection list: https://t.co/8257xWg0h1
– Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 23, 2021
Let’s explore who the Knicks are supposed to be aiming for and see if they are likely to land in New York as soon as the deadline arrives at 3 pm ET on Thursday, March 25.
Lonzo Ball
The ball has played ball this season for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 14 points, 5.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals, not to mention the high percentages of career shots (42.5% in the field, 38.5% in three and 77% of the free-throw line).
His passing skills can be very advantageous for Knicks like Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin. And if he could somehow replace Elfrid Payton as a titular owner, that would allow Tom Thibodeau to keep the bank duo Derrick Rose-Immanuel Quickley intact. Even Magic Johnson thinks the Knicks should go after Ball.
Unfortunately, Ball is like Bitcoin: everyone wants to get in, their stock keeps going up and no one knows with 100% certainty whether this year’s earnings are here to stay. The Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are among other teams mentioned as suitors. Meanwhile, Ball will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and is in line for a hefty contract.
It seems unlikely that the Knicks will strike a deal for Ball in the next 24 hours, unless they are extremely confident in their improved firing divisions and believe they will be able to arrest him as a free agent in the off season.
In potential talks about the pending Pelicans RFA PG Lonzo Ball, Knicks has been trying to find a third team to take over Eric Bledsoe’s remaining contract, the source said. It is unclear whether something will happen before Thursday’s deadline. JJ Redick was also linked to the Knicks (with possible acquisition of Nets)
– Mike Mazzeo (@MazzNYC) March 23, 2021
Kyle Lowry
A veteran so seasoned that he might as well be fries, Lowry would be a welcome upgrade over the Elf. And it could be argued that fate is at stake, as Lowry was supposedly on the way to be negotiated with New York at the time of Carmelo Anthony, only for James Dolan supposedly to veto the deal.
However, save for something seriously unforeseen, Lowry is not going to the Knicks this year. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the 34-year-old could be traded, but “those who know Lowry’s mentality believe he wants to compete for a championship.”
The Knicks are fighting for a playoff spot, not a title. And even if you want to convince yourself to think that Lowry puts the Knicks closer to being a competitor, there will be rival suitors raising the price. How much of the future are you willing to mortgage to Lowry at this point in your career?
Andre Drummond
The Knicks allegedly kicked Drummond’s tires, but the tea leaves he currently has the center going to Los Angeles to try to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis defend his title. Good. Mitch is back, and Nerlens Noel is a great backup.
Victor Oladipo
The Houston Rockets have “strong confidence that they will close a deal” ahead of schedule, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, although it is unclear who they think will do the deal.
Miami is touted as a potential destination where Oladipo would be interested in signing a long-term contract, and Woj notes that there are several bidders who do not have much space in the off-season to sign again with Oladipo, but hope to keep him using his Bird Rights.
By Woj, the Rockets are “increasingly comfortable with Oladipo’s offerings on the market, which include young players and choice combinations in the first round that the franchise believes are adequate returns to make a deal.”
In addition, the following:
Oladipo has a mutual interest in New York Knicks also, the sources said, and New York – also armed with limited summer space – has been reluctant to make an aggressive commercial offer on Oladipo as well, the sources said.
Again, it seems that the Knicks are determined to show patience. There is no need to overpay for a guy who has come out of an injury and is about to become a free agent in the off-season.
Other miscellaneous items:
Ian Begley of SNY notes that the Knicks held discussions with the Orlando Magic about a deal for Evan Fournier, another figure who would clearly be an upgrade over Payton as a starter. Except that he was also mentioned in other rumors, and considering how good he has been (19.6 points, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals), it is difficult for Orlando to give up on him for, say, Austin Rivers.
Speaking of Rivers, he sounds like the Knick most likely to end up elsewhere after the deadline. But it seems possible that he can reach an agreement if there is no agreement. Per Begley:
ESPN reported on Monday that Rivers is likely to be traded ahead of schedule or purchased by New York. SNY can confirm that a deal or purchase from Rivers is being considered.
If Rivers is moved and the deal opens up a spot on the list, the big man John Henson is among the players on the Knicks’ radar for that spot on the list, according to SNY sources. Big man Norvel Pelle is also on New York’s radar if a spot on the list opens, according to SNY sources.
And one final thing about Begley before we go:
Another thing you can see in the deadline: New York operating as a third team to help facilitate a trade. This would allow the Knicks to receive an asset in a deal by taking over the unwanted asset from another team.
The Knicks have about $ 15 million in capitalization space and can absorb a contract as the third team in a three-team deal. In such a scenario, New York would also receive a choice of draft or a desirable player in the trade.