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New York Knicks: Trade options to monitor as season progresses

By Maxwell Ogden

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 5: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on October 5, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 5: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on October 5, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 18, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 18, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls

Position: Power Forward
Age: 26 (2/11/1991)
Experience: 4th Season
2017-18 Slash Line: .519/.500/.690
2017-18 Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 20.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.0 3PM

The Chicago Bulls played the first 23 games of the 2017-18 NBA regular season without forward Nikola Mirotic. After going 3-20 without the EuroLeague legend, Chicago has been a perfect 6-0 in the six games since he’s returned.

While Mirotic has helped the Bulls play a winning brand of basketball, it’s plausible that he could be the type of player whom the New York Knicks could take the next step with.

Mirotic is off to an uncharacteristically hot start, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this isn’t sustainable. Shooting over 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from three may not last, but scoring at a high and efficient rate is something he should be able to do.

The 2013 Spanish League MVP and 2014 Spanish King’s Cup MVP, Mirotic has a proven ability to score and an improving presence on the boards.

In New York, Mirotic could be plugged in at power forward with Kristaps Porzingis situationally moving over to the 5. It would be a risky move, but it would equip head coach Jeff Hornacek with two sharpshooting bigs who can also go to the post—an intriguing dynamic.

Considering Mirotic was signed to a two-year deal with a team option for 2018-19, it doesn’t seem as though the Bulls are opposed to a potential trade.

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