With the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline looming, the 23-32 New York Knicks are in need of a major change. Who can the Knicks realistically acquire?
The New York Knicks are in need of a major shakeup. That process began with the firing of head coach Derek Fisher, who had the Knicks at an impressive and inspiring 22-22 before the team proceeded to loss nine of its next 10 games under his leadership.
With the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline looming, and the window closing for the change New York needs, one question beckons: what can the Knicks realistically do to improve?
Phil Jackson recently told reporters that the Knicks are actively pursuing a significant trade. That was all the confirmation needed to set the sports world ablaze, as the relentless media inevitably turned in reports of, “Carmelo Anthony is on the trading block.”
Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Jackson won’t be dealing Carmelo Anthony or Kristaps Porzingis, but wants to make an impact move—a goal greatly hindered by its current roster.
"“We’re looking to improve this ballclub, there’s no doubt,” Jackson said Monday during a news conference on the firing of Derek Fisher. “We know that we have some good guys. The chemistry is pretty good. The talent can still be better. It always can, so we’re looking.” “I think it is a known fact that Carmelo has a no-trade [clause],” Jackson said. “And we like Kris. Everybody likes Kris. There’s not too many people that ever would say that I would trade [Kristaps].” “Do we sit in a really favorable spot? Probably not,” he said. “We don’t have a tremendous amount of favorable trade items that are on our roster.”"
The question is, which available trade options do the Knicks have a realistic shot at acquiring?
New York doesn’t exactly have a roster flush with awe-inspiring trade options. The likes of Arron Afflalo, Langston Galloway, Jerian Grant, and Robin Lopez are the most attractive assets, but all come with issues or reasons for New York, a team without a selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, to keep them around.
Not every name listed on the following 10 slides will push the Knicks into the postseason picture, but they’re all realistic trade targets who can help the team achieve stability.
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