New York Knicks: Realistic trade options at point guard
Jerian Grant, Chicago Bulls
Age: 24 (10/9/1993)
Experience: 2 Seasons
2016-17 Slash Line: .425/.366/.890
2016-17 Season Averages: 16.3 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 3PM
The fact that the New York Knicks brought Tim Hardaway Jr. back is a sign of how open the organization is to revisiting the past. Knowing that to be true, the Knicks have a chance to take another player whom they drafted: Jerian Grant.
Grant may not be a veteran, but he’s coming off of a quietly excellent season on the defensive end of the floor—a promising sign.
Due to the fact that Chicago now has Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Cameron Payne on the roster, Grant is the odd man out at point guard. Thus, the Knicks could potentially buy low and acquire a developable young talent for a minimal cost.
If that proves to be the case, then reacquiring Grant could be worth the price of business.
The cost projects to be minimal due to the reality that Chicago would have minimal leverage in potential trade negotiations.
Grant finished the 2016-17 NBA regular season at No. 6 amongst point guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus (1.07). He also had a positive Offensive RPM, which is a reflection of how valuable he’s become as a team-first player.
For what it’s worth: Grant averaged 14.0 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes on a slash line of .481/.405/.786 after the All-Star Break.