Knicks Trade Rumors: Big Names And Former Knicks Surface As Options

Wilson Chandler

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 29 (5/10/1987)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .449/.342/.711
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.2 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 3PM

The New York Knicks selected Wilson Chandler at No. 23 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft. It was a brilliant display of the value that first-round draft picks can hold, whether it’s a hyped rising star in the lottery or a sleeper outside of it.

If the Knicks are hoping to fix the defense and create stability along the perimeter, then bringing Chandler back to New York could provide the fix.

Chandler has great size for a 2 or a 3, and the versatility to spot minutes as a stretch 4 at 6’8″ and 225 pounds. He hasn’t yet realized his potential as a defender, but there have been intriguing flashes throughout his career.

If Chandler were added to a team that has the personnel to actually excel on defense, it stands to reason that he’d produce superior results.

On offense, Chandler is a respectable 3-point shooter who can play above the rim. He doesn’t have the most polished of handles, but he’s a productive scoring threat on an affordable contract with $36 million coming his way between 2016-17 and 2018-19.

Chandler also has a history of injuries, but if the Knicks determine that his health isn’t a concern, it’d be tough to fault Phil Jackson for valuing a two-way player with size and versatility.