New York Knicks: Sneaky Options to Target in a Trade

Apr 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) in game five of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. The Bucks won 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) in game five of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. The Bucks won 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) dribbles past New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) dribbles past New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Small Forward

Age: 25

Salary: $1,000,000

Slash Line: .370/.313/.797

Season Averages: 27.2 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.0 3PM

Believe you me, I’m well-aware of how strong the New York Knicks are at small forward. Carmelo Anthony is playing at an All-Star level again and Lance Thomas would be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year if New York were winning consistently.

With the small-ball potential of placing Carmelo Anthony at the 4 and Kristaps Porzingis at the 5, however, it’d behoove New York to explore the possibility of acquiring Robert Covington.

Covington has been playing a big role for the Philadelphia 76ers, which admittedly doesn’t say much. He’s a 6’9″ small forward with legitimate 3-point shooting range and a knack for forcing turnovers, however, and that has value.

With the Knicks’ second unit fluctuating in production and battling inconsistency, Covington could be the answer.

Next: Who have the New York Knicks been linked to along the rumor mill?

If nothing else, it’d be wise to gamble on the 25-year-old due to his contract situation. He’s in the second season of a three-year deal worth $3,015,696, with a $1,087,745 team option for 2017-18.

Whether or not he pans out, Covington can be kept on the roster for a very low price.