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Knicks Trade Rumors: Evaluating Realistic Trade Options

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guards Vince Carter and Tony Allen (9) celebrate with center Marc Gasol after a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 114-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guards Vince Carter and Tony Allen (9) celebrate with center Marc Gasol after a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 114-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) looks to pass against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) looks to pass against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 23 (2/11/1993)
Experience: 4th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .409/.281/.750
2016-17 Season Averages: 16.9 MPG, 6.0 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The New York Knicks need defense far more than they need offense. Thus, the upside Ben McLemore possesses as an offensive player can only be acknowledged if one also addresses his lackluster defensive presence.

McLemore has the physical gifts to be a quality defender, however, which is why he’s a player worth considering. Per David Aldridge of NBA.com:

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

McLemore is 6’5″ with a 6’8″ wingspan and an explosive 42.0″ max vertical leap. At 23 years of age, it’s fair to believe that the former Kansas Jayhawks star has untapped potential that Jeff Hornacek and Phil Jackson could help him realize.

If nothing else, McLemore has proven throughout his NBA career that he’s more than capable of spacing the floor.

McLemore is on an expiring contract with restricted free agency looming. In other words: the Knicks could either let him walk or play the market and bring him back at the price that other teams dictate for him.

Unless Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday fall completely off the map, however, trading for a shooting guard simply wouldn’t make sense.

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