Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Trading For Kevin Love

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Feb 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) spins around Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Moving KP To The 5

The New York Knicks play Kristaps Porzingis at power forward, which fits him well on the offensive end of the floor. On defense, however, Porzingis is forced to play to his weaknesses when tasked with closing out on 3-point shooters and being drawn out of the paint.

If the Knicks were to succeed in trading for Kevin Love, one of the positive results would be the subsequent decision to move Porzingis to center.

Porzingis is a matchup nightmare at power forward, but he’d be even more of a headache for opposing teams at center. He’d draw assignments from stationary defenders and rim protectors who would be out of their element when defending him along the perimeter.

Defensively, Porzingis would be tasked with covering less ground and would thus put less pressure on his legs by playing as more of a rim protector.

With Love and Porzingis on the court together, the Knicks would have two big men who can shoot the lights out, go to the post, work the pick and roll, and create off the bounce. Love could balance Porzingis’ weakness as a rebounder, and Porzingis could do the same for Love’s defense.

That may call Willy Hernangomez’s future into question, but the combination of Love and Porzingis would be as tough to overcome as any interior duo in the NBA.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Draft: Shooting Guards To Keep An Eye On

The question is: should Phil Jackson attempt to trade Carmelo Anthony for Kevin Love? Moreover, is there any validity to the rumor that a trade could be looming?

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