The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly interested in trading shooting guard Jeremy Lamb. The New York Knicks should capitalize on this opportunity.
Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks made headlines throughout the sports world last week when they traded Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant to the Chicago Bulls for Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, and a 2017 second-round draft pick.
The results led to polarizing reactions both in New York and Chicago. Rose’s checkered injury-filled past make him a liability—a one-year liability, but a liability nonetheless.
However, the rental guard gives the Knicks an upgrade in the back-court—help they desperately needed.
The Knicks aren’t finished yet as Rose is the only guard on the team as of right now. The Knicks should look to get additional back-court help the same way they acquired Rose: via trade.
Where can they find this help? From the Charlotte Hornets, specifically in Jeremy Lamb.
Lamb is a UConn product who was drafted by the Houston Rockets at No. 12 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.
It’s been engraved in everyone’s head about Jackson’s feelings towards tall guards. Like a broken record, Knicks fans are often reminded that Jackson loves big combo guards.
Well, Lamb is 6’ 5” and can play both shooting guard and small forward. On top of that, he’s only 24 years old.
Per Basketball-Reference.com, he posted his best FG% with the Hornets in 2015-16.
His contract is reasonable, given the salary cap increase this year and next year, as well, per Spotrac.com
| CONTRACT 3 yr/ $21,000,000 | SIGNING BONUS N/A | AVERAGE SALARY $7,000,000 |
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Lamb is locked in on an average of $7 million a year through the 2018-2019 season. At that time, he will be an unrestricted free agent.
To put it into perspective, Arron Affalo was making $8 million with the Knicks this past year and he was seven years Lamb’s senior. While Affalo was already an established player, he’s also on the decline. Affalo was unable to match his effectiveness in Orlando just two years ago. Lamb, on the other hand, has upside and the potential to improve.
Lamb can also learn from Rose, if Rose is able to remain healthy.
The Hornets have apparently soured on Lamb and, during the 2016 NBA Draft, were looking to trade him per, Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical:
Sources: Charlotte's offering No. 22 - if team will take contract of Spencer Hawes or Jeremy Lamb. Hornets need space to re-sign free agents
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2016
The Hornets failed to move Lamb during the draft and instead traded the No. 22 pick for Marco Belinellii. If the Hornets are still looking to move Lamb, then the Knicks should take the opportunity to upgrade their back-court.
The Knicks only have five players on their roster. So why make the trade? And what could the Knicks offer?
Since the Knicks did not buy a draft pick, they still have about $3.3 million they can use via trade. Depending on how desperate the Hornets are to move Lamb, the Knicks could come away with a steal. The Knicks could offer the $3.3 million with Kyle O’Quinn. O’Quinn has become expendable since the news broke that Kristpas Porzingis’ BFF Willy Hernangomez is coming to town.
If the Hornets bite, the Knicks get immediate back-court help. If the Hornets want more the Knicks can also throw in the 2017 2nd round pick they acquired in the Rose trade.
It’s a win-win situation. The Hornets get cap space and cash, and the Knicks get a guard. Moving O’Quinn’s contract in the deal would also leave the Knicks’ with approximately $26 million still left after this trade in free agency.
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The Hornets may not agree, but this is an option Phil Jackson should be exploring.