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Knicks Trade Rumors: Best Available Defensive Players

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) guards New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) guards New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets

Positon: Small Forward
Age: 29 (5/9/1987)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .454/.344/.720
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.2 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 3PM

Wilson Chandler played for the New York Knicks between 2007 and 2011. He was included in the Carmelo Anthony trade in 2011, but the Knicks have a chance to explore his full potential by bringing him back to New York.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets are shopping their veteran players, which includes Chandler.

"The Nuggets, for the record, are now openly shopping third-year big man Jusuf Nurkic in addition to the widely assumed availability of vets Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler."

The Nuggets are in fire sale mode and Wilson Chandler is easily the most attractive option for the Knicks.

The cost may be too much for the Knicks to pay, but it’s hard not to be intrigued by the possibility of Chandler returning to New York. He can defend both perimeter positions, as well as stretch 4s, which makes him the versatile defender whom the Knicks have been missing.

Chandler is also the best offensive player on this list, which inevitably boosts his value as a two-way player.

One could argue that others on this list are better defenders, but being a two-way player is important. Chandler’s defense has wavered in Denver, but in New York, his role would be more specifically outlined and the players around him would be of superior talent.

It won’t be easy for the Knicks to make a trade for Chandler, but if the asking price doesn’t include a first-round draft pick, it could be worth it.

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