Knicks Trade Rumors: Realistic Trades That Could Save The Season

A Jeff Hornacek Guy

The New York Knicks have suffered a potential setback on the trade market in the form of Lance Thomas suffering an orbital fracture. He’s been ruled out indefinitely and will be forced to wear a protective mask once he returns.

If Thomas recovers in time for the 2017 NBA trade deadline and passes his physicals, however, he could be the perfect player to move.

In this trade, the Knicks swap Thomas for a player who better fits team needs: P.J. Tucker. A second-round draft pick may need to be included, but New York and Phoenix would both benefit from this deal.

Ian Begley of ESPN New York has even reported that the Knicks have considered making a move for Tucker.

"It doesn’t seem as if any move is imminent, but some members of the Knicks’ front office have labeled Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker as a potential trade target, league sources told ESPN.com."

This trade could be the answer.

Tucker would be the rugged defender who brings the missing edge to the Knicks’ abysmal defense. Tucker is also on an expiring deal and is likely to sign with a contender this coming summer.

That label that doesn’t necessarily fit the Knicks, but it certainly doesn’t fit the Suns, which implies Phoenix will be looking to avoid losing Tucker for nothing.

It stands to reason that the Suns would welcome the possibility of trading a player on an expiring contract for a player on a four-year deal with an affordable salary.