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New York Knicks: Realistic trade options at point guard

By Maxwell Ogden

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 05: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three point shot against the Boston Celtics during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 05: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three point shot against the Boston Celtics during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 31: Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 31, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 31: Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 31, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Devin Harris, Dallas Mavericks

Age: 34 (2/27/1983)
Experience: 13 Seasons
2016-17 Slash Line: .399/.328/.829
2016-17 Season Averages: 16.7 MPG, 6.7 PPG, 2.1 APG, 2.0 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 3PM

Devin Harris has become a personal favorite of Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be acquired via trade. The Mavericks drafted a rising star in Dennis Smith Jr., and he projects to consume a lion’s share of Dallas’ minutes at the point guard position.

Dallas may be more inclined to trade Barea in order to keep the more defensive-minded of the two veteran point guards, but the New York Knicks should explore this possibility.

If you’re confusing the Harris of 2016-17 with the Harris of old, you’ve missed out on the player he’s become. He may not be an All-Star anymore, but he has two-way value as an unselfish player who can provide a positive impact on both ends of the floor.

As Frank Ntilikina eases into his role as the No. 1 point guard, the Knicks could benefit from having a veteran like Harris as his mentor.

Harris finished the 2016-17 NBA regular season with a positive Real Plus-Minus on both ends of the floor. That includes his ranking of No. 14 amongst point guards in Defensive RPM, which reflects how effective he’s become on defense.

Steve Mills and Scott Perry have acknowledged the need for a veteran point guard, and Harris would fit the profile of the type of player they need.

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