Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros, Cons Of Pursuing Wilson Chandler

Con: The Role

The appeal is clear in trading for Wilson Chandler, but there are hurdles that must be overcome. For instance, the reason Chandler has reportedly requested a trade from the Denver Nuggets is that he’s been moved from the starting lineup to the second unit.

It stands to reason that Chandler could be open to playing as the sixth man for a contender, but the New York Knicks currently have a lower win percentage than the Nuggets.

New York has more star power than Denver, which could make it easier for Chandler to accept his status as sixth man. He’d be backing up Carmelo Anthony, who’s a far more proven commodity than either Gary Harris or Danilo Gallinari.

That’s quite the assumption, however, and even short-term happiness doesn’t guarantee his remaining content in the long-term.

It’s possible that New York could start Anthony, Chandler, and Kristaps Porzingis together. Moving Kyle O’Quinn could make that possible without hurting Willy Hernangomez or Joakim Noah’s playing time, but Porzingis may not be physically ready to play center on a full-time basis.

It works in theory, but the practicality of the move is somewhat obstructed by the uncertainty of how Jeff Hornacek would manage his rotations.