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Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options As Deadline Nears

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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Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) makes a point during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) makes a point during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 29 (5/10/1987)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.348/.730
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 PPG, 15.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 3PM

New York Knicks fans are well aware of the defensive strengths of perimeter standout Wilson Chandler. He has the size, strength, and length to defend both wing positions, as well as power forwards in small-ball sets.

If the Knicks were to trade for Chandler, they could create a frontcourt of he at the 3, Carmelo Anthony at the 4, and Kristaps Porzingis at the 5.

Thankfully, the Nuggets are open to moving Chandler.

Standing at 6’8″ and 225 pounds with a long wingspan and a muscular frame, Chandler has the physical tools for elite defense. He’s defended at a high level for a vast majority of his career and projects to be even better on a team that lightens his workload as a scorer.

With the Knicks, Chandler would be able to play off the ball and focus more of his energy to defending the two wing positions and the 4.

Chandler played for the Knicks from 2007 to 2011 and thus understands the burden of playing in New York. He was on pace to help the Knicks make the playoffs in 2010-11 before he was dealt to the Denver Nuggets as a part of the infamous Carmelo Anthony trade.

Coupled with a team-friendly $12.4 million per season coming his way between 2017-18 and 2018-19, Chandler could be a game-changing addition.

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