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Knicks Trade Rumors: Latest buzz from around the NBA as of Dec. 27

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 18: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the New York Knicks on December 18, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 18: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the New York Knicks on December 18, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How It Impacts The Knicks

The New York Knicks are in the market for a long-term upgrade at small forward. Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, and Enes Kanter look the part of a sustainably successful core, but there’s an element of uncertainty at the 3.

Thus, while the Charlotte Hornets may not be an expected trade partner, it’s hard to see a report about an available small forward and not at least explore the possibility.

Batum may not fit the long-term window, but he would check every box in terms of what’s missing. He can be a legitimate facilitator, increase the output from beyond the arc, rebound at a respectable level, and defend all three perimeter positions.

That unique versatility would likely elevate the Knicks to postseason status, as well as help the younger players grow with less pressure placed upon them.

Kidd-Gilchrist may be a non-factor from distance, but he’s 24 years of age and already one the better defensive small forwards in the NBA. He ranks No. 14 amongst small forwards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus, and Charlotte has its best defensive rating when he’s on the floor.

Kidd-Gilchrist desperately needs to improve his shooting, but he’s a high-quality defender and an efficient finisher with youth on his side. New York should at least scout him further.

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