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

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (R) and forward Kenneth Faried (L) before the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (R) and forward Kenneth Faried (L) before the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Jusuf Nurkic

Position: Center
Age: 22 (8/23/1994)
Experience: 3rd Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .530/.000/.524
2016-17 Season Averages: 19.9 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 BPG

Following his rookie season in 2014-15, Jusuf Nurkic appeared to represent the future of the Denver Nuggets at center. When a knee injury sidelined Nurkic in 2015-16, however, Nikola Jokic took it upon himself to snatch that title away from him.

Nurkic may have fallen behind Jokic in the pecking order, but it would be silly to believe that the 22-year-old is anything other than a tantalizing young player.

Nurkic is an outstanding offensive rebounder who makes a strong effort on the defensive glass, as well. He’s an excellent passer out of the post and a physical defender who’s still learning to be more disciplined down low, but makes opponents pay in the paint.

For perspective on how good he’s becoming, Nurkic is currently averaging 16.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.2 offensive rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes.

Nurkic is a 7’0″ and 280-pound center who could bring the pain down low, while Kristaps Porzingis is a 7’3″ power forward who can block shots and score without leaving his feet. That alone is reason to consider making this trade and developing Nurkic long-term.

Enticing as that all may be, the Knicks’ most attractive trade options are centers, which likely rules out the possibility of trading for Nurkic since Denver doesn’t need another center.

Must Read: Phil Jackson won't trade his first-round draft picks

As the Knicks search for answers and attempt to escape the abyss that is a losing season, familiar faces and dynamic performers are available via trade.

The options are copious, but will the Knicks actually make a trade before the Feb. 23 deadline?

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