Knicks Trade Rumors: Rounding up the latest buzz as of Dec. 19

How It Impacts The Knicks

Chances are, the New York Knicks won’t have interest in acquiring Robin Lopez. Lopez certainly fits the bill of what the Knicks are attempting to build as a defensive-minded franchise, but the roster is already overrun with quality centers who need playing time that isn’t always available to them.

If the long-term goal is to move Kristaps Porzingis to the center position, however, a move for Nikola Mirotic could prove wise for the front office.

By playing Mirotic at power forward and Porzingis at center, the Knicks would have two big men who can consistently knock down the outside shot. That would open up the floor for driving lanes, the pick and roll, and whomever head coach Jeff Hornacek places on the low block.

Mirotic isn’t much of a defender, but like Porzingis, he was a star in Europe who’s beginning to adapt to the finesse style of the contemporary NBA.

It’s unclear what the Knicks would be willing to part ways with, but trading for Mirotic would have a somewhat safe element to it. The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal worth $25 million in 2017, but there’s a team option for the 2018-19 season.

In other words: If New York were to trade for Mirotic, it would have the final say on whether it’d continue paying him beyond 2017-18—thus saving it from being locked into a long-term contract.