
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in trading for Patrick Beverley. Should team president Phil Jackson pursue a trade for Beverley?
A widespread belief is growing that the New York Knicks are in the market for a point guard. Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings will both become free agents in 2017, and the Knicks are hoping to find a player who provides long-term security.
New York could be a landing spot for Detroit Pistons standout Reggie Jackson and Minnesota Timberwolves maestro Ricky Rubio, but a third name offers new reason for intrigue.
Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley has been one of the most polarizing players in the NBA since he debuted in 2012-13. The 28-year-old is heralded for his defensive intensity, but has become public enemy No. 1 for a number of organizations due to his unyielding style of play.
According to Rockets beat writer Calvin Watkins of ESPN, the Knicks are one of three teams that have expressed interest in trading for Beverley.
Source: Rockets guard Patrick Beverley is getting love on trade market. Bulls, Knicks and Cavs expressed interest.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 22, 2017
Watkins quickly followed up with a tweet stating that Houston doesn’t currently plan to trade Beverley.
According to a source, Rockets have no plans to trade Pat Beverley.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 22, 2017
It’s fair to believe that Houston will hold onto Beverley, but plans often change when attractive trade packages are presented to general managers.
If New York manages to acquire Beverley, then it would likely part ways with one of its current point guards. Both Rose and Jennings have attractive expiring contracts, with Rose having a $21,323,252 cap hit and Jennings checking in at $5 million.
Regardless of what it is that the Knicks would have to do to pull a trade off, there are reasons to both support and be skeptical of a potential trade for Beverley.