Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) drives the basketball against Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls defeated the Suns 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks have completed 30 games. In that time, New York has compiled a record of 14-16 while showing flashes of greatness on both ends of the floor.
Given the decline of the second unit and the inconsistency of the starting lineup, however, it may be time for New York to pursue a trade.
The NBA rumor mill is already running rampant. A number of significant players are reportedly on the market, including All-Stars, award winners, and breakout stars on expiring contracts.
The question is, who should the Knicks target in a potential trade?
Next: A Familiar Face
Dec 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center
Pau Gasol(16) looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
Position: Power Forward, Center
Age: 35
Slash Line: .452/.267/.773
Season Averages: 30.5 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 2.8 APG, 2.2 BPG
From 2008 to 2012, Pau Gasol played alongside Derek Fisher as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. That duo won a pair of NBA championships as key contributors to Phil Jackson‘s Triangle Offense.
Who’s up for a reunion?
Gasol is on a very manageable contract with the Chicago Bulls at $7,448,760 in 2015-16. That’s a true bargain considering Gasol was an All-NBA honoree in 2014-15 after leading the NBA in double-doubles.
According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are looking into the possibility of trading Gasol.
"Gasol has a player option at the end of this season, and there continues to be more whispers that he’s done with the Bulls experiment, while Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks each come off the books when this season comes to an end. The likes of Gibson, Noah and Gasol might not even see the end of their current contracts, as several sources indicated that the Bulls are taking calls on all three players as the trade deadline draws near."
According to basketball logic, it’d behoove New York to find a way to acquire Gasol’s services.
Arron Afflalo would answer Chicago’s call for perimeter help, and Gasol would more than make up his offensive impact—albeit from a different position. New York would have to offer more than just Afflalo, including one of its coveted young guards, but it would prove worthwhile.
Not only would Gasol work alongside Carmelo Anthony as a second star, but he’d bring knowledge of the Triangle Offense to New York. Just as importantly, he’d serve as a mentor to rookie Kristaps Porzingis.
This would be a dream scenario for Jackson and the Knicks.
Next: A Polarizing Figure
Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center
Dwight Howard(12) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Position: Center
Age: 30
Slash Line: .587/.000/.507
Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG
If you’re the type of person to despise Dwight Howard, I won’t attempt to change your mind. That opinion is likely rooted in years of focusing on his negative traits.
If you’re the type of person who wants to see the New York Knicks win basketball games, then keep reading.
According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, Howard wants to part ways with the Houston Rockets.
"Dwight Howard is extremely unhappy in Houston playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden, multiple league sources tell SheridanHoops.com. And with the Rockets underachieving more than any NBA team, look for them to try to move Howard later this season."
Howard has made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons, playing a starring role in every one of those campaigns. He’s made three Conference Finals appearances and reached the 2009 NBA Finals.
Even in a down year, 2015-16, he’s No. 3 in rebounds per game and field goal percentage, No. 2 in offensive rebounding, and No. 9 in blocks per game.
That type of production would be more than welcome along the Knicks’ frontline; it’d change the trajectory of the season. Robin Lopez is a solid player, but Howard’s ability to dominate the interior would open up a number of avenues for New York.
Carmelo Anthony would have more room to operate, Kristaps Porzingis would thrive in spacing the floor, and New York’s pick-and-roll attack would finally flourish.
Most importantly, New York would win during what could be Howard’s contract year—meaning it could potentially let him go if it doesn’t pan out.
Next: The Anchor
Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
Position: Center
Age: 30
Slash Line: .407/.000/.488
Season Averages: 22.3 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 BPG
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly in the midst of a fire sale. Not only is Pau Gasol allegedly being shopped around, but Chicago is willing to part ways with another decorated big man.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Bulls are willing to trade 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah for perimeter help.
"Executives around the league, and people have told me, that the Bulls are very determined to add a talented wing player..and I’ve been told that the Bulls are open to, whether it’s Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, maybe not both of them, but either of them, if there’s a deal out there that they can bring in the best possible wing player available, they’re open to it. That’s a direction they’re going to go in."
Noah is in the final year of his current contract, which is reason enough to gamble on his services. The 30-year-old is making $13.4 million, which could make a trade difficult to execute, but it’s not an impossibility.
If New York can find a third trade partner, parting ways with Robin Lopez could land Noah in New York.
If Lopez proves to be unmovable—or untouchable, depending on New York’s long-term vision—Arron Afflalo would need to be packaged with another player, thus resulting in the Knicks limiting their return.
Noah is averaging 14.3 rebounds, 4.7 offensive boards, and 6.2 assists per 48 minutes. New York is No. 13 in offensive rebounding and No. 16 in assists.
As the number show, Noah would bring a defensive intensity and offensive proficiency as a facilitator that the Knicks are desperate for.
Next: Dominant Interior Defense
Dec 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center
Hassan Whiteside(21) celebrates after scoring in the second half against the Portland Trailblazers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
Position: Center
Age: 26
Slash Line: .624/.000/.520
Season Averages: 28.4 MPG, 12.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 4.0 BPG
The Miami Heat have the most dominant shot-blocker of the 21st century. Unfortunately for Pat Riley, what the Heat don’t have is said player’s Bird Rights.
According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, the likelihood of losing Hassan Whiteside to free agency has Miami testing the trade market.
"Dwight Howard is extremely unhappy in Houston playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden, multiple league sources tell SheridanHoops.com. And with the Rockets underachieving more than any NBA team, look for them to try to move Howard later this season. And the destination that makes the most sense is Miami in a trade centered around Hassan Whiteside…Heat president Pat Riley is going to try to turn Whiteside into the best available center he can find."
Pat Riley has since disputed this report, but it’s a possibility worth exploring.
The Heat are facing the potential of losing Whiteside to a free agent market that will be vast and limitless in possibilities. After DeAndre Jordan signed a contract worth roughly $88 million, it’s fair to assume Whiteside will get the same.
Under a rising salary cap, the willingness to execute such a deal will improve. For the Knicks, pursuing their rival’s coveted center shouldn’t wait until this upcoming offseason.
Not only would Whiteside solidify the Knicks’ defensive interior, but he’d be an excellent interior complement to the versatility of Kristaps Porzingis—a dream tandem for New York’s future.
Next: Not a Star, But...
Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Ryan Anderson(33) reacts after a score against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable Mention: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Position: Power Forward
Age: 27
Slash Line: .439/.385/.883
Season Averages: 31.7 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.1 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 2.0 3PM
It’s entirely fair to say Ryan Anderson is not a star. What’s undeniable, however, is that the 2012 Most Improved Player is one of the most unique and dynamic contributors in the NBA.
Not only is Anderson a 6’10” 3-point marksman, but he’s a legitimate threat with his back to the basket.
Anderson’s presence may seem redundant with Kristaps Porzingis on the roster, but he’d provide a sense of continuity. Whether he’d serve as the sixth man or a starter, the 27-year-old would be a significant asset offensively.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans are fielding trade offers.
Teams are indeed calling New Orleans in pursuit of stretch four Ryan Anderson, but the notion they are shopping him, I'm told, is inaccurate
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 16, 2015
As a lights-out shooter, skilled mid-post player, and productive offensive rebounder, Anderson would be an excellent fit in New York.
Whether or not Robin Lopez were to be included in the trade, New York could potentially start Anderson at power forward and Porzingis at center. If he were to resume his sixth man duties, Anderson would be the spark that the Knicks currently lack.
If Dell Demps is considering a trade due to Anderson’s expiring contract, he may covet a long-term big man—Lopez–with a history in New Orleans.