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Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options To Help Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass while guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass while guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Thabo Sefolosha

Position: Small Forward
Age: 32 (5/2/1984)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .469/.317/.756
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.8 MPG, 7.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Thabo Sefolosha is in his 11th NBA season. The fact that he’s still playing significant minutes on a postseason-caliber team at 32 years of age is a testament to just how far his defensive prowess has taken him.

Though the recent spat between Sefolosha and New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony implies this trade won’t happen, Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN report that the Atlanta Hawks are fielding offers for the 32-year-old swingman.

"S‎ources told ESPN.com that the Hawks, fearful of losing Millsap in free agency without compensation in the summer, are not openly shopping him but are taking calls on the 31-year-old and other pending free agents, notably sharpshooter Kyle Korver and swingman Thabo Sefolosha."

If Anthony and Sefolosha can put their issues behind them, then they could form an exceptional duo at small forward.

Sefolosha is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. He has the size and length to defend players at the 2 and 3, as well as the active hands and physicality to disrupt a go-to scorer’s rhythm.

That much is evident in the fact that Sefolosha currently leads the NBA with 3.54 steals per 48 minutes. He generates a healthy amount of that production during on-ball situations.

Sefolosha is on an expiring contract that makes him an ideal rental for the Knicks. He’s making $3,850,000 in 2016-17, which creates room for flexibility in designing a trade package to offer to Atlanta.

With 88 games of postseason experience and 69 starts in the playoffs, Sefolosha could help the Knicks prepare for a long-awaited push towards the next level.

Must Read: Five reasons to pursue Paul Millsap

None of these players will be easy to acquire, nor is a deal imminent, but one thing is clear: Jeff Hornacek knows how vital it is for the Knicks to improve on defense.

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