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Knicks Trade Rumors: Players Who Are Already Available

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) passes the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Lakers won the game 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) passes the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Lakers won the game 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots the ball over Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots the ball over Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 23 (2/11/1993)
Experience: 4th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .441/.316/.750
2016-17 Season Averages: 19.2 MPG, 7.4 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 3PM

While DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay are unrealistic targets, the New York Knicks could conceivably acquire Ben McLemore. Courtney Lee is safe on the roster and Justin Holiday is showing flashes, but McLemore could be the developable athlete that New York lacks at the 2.

A 23-year-old shooting guard with explosive athleticism and an established ability to convert the 3-ball, McLemore could thrive under head coach Jeff Hornacek.

McLemore made 140 3-point field goals on 35.8 percent shooting from distance in 2014-15 and hit 67 on 36.2 percent shooting in 2015-16. He’s been phased out of the office, but he’s safely regarded as an athletic floor-spacer.

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Kings aren’t just willing to trade McLemore; they’ve been attempting to do so for a year.

"Ben McLemore (7th overall), Sacramento: The Kings have been trying to move him for more than a year."

If Hornacek could lead Gerald Green to a career year, then he could help resurrect McLemore’s entire career.

At 23 years of age, McLemore has upside that the Knicks can tap into and develop on a similar timeline to Kristaps Porzingis. Defense is an issue with McLemore, but he has tremendous physical tools at 6’5″ with a near 6’8″ wingspan and a 42.0″ max vertical leap.

With restricted free agency pending, the Knicks could re-sign McLemore for a reasonable cost and have a promising talent to develop over the next four years.

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