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

As the New York Knicks approach a turning point in the season, the trade market has become a captivating possibility. What’s the latest buzz?

The New York Knicks are preparing to embark on a road trip that will essentially last until the All-Star Break. Over the course of New York’s next 27 games, 20 will be played away from the comforting halls of Madison Square Garden.

As the 17-16 Knicks stare down a season-defining wave of road games, many have inevitably questioned what the team is still missing.

New York will enter this grueling stretch of the schedule as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Having set the pace for a postseason appearance, many are eager to see the Knicks make the necessary improvements to end what’s going on a five-year drought.

The most realistic method of making an in-season improvement would be to search the trade market for an asset with immediate value.

True as that may be, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that the Knicks are in the midst of a long-term rebuild. Thus, if the front office is going to commit to a trade, it will need to be mindful of its long-term ramifications.

The question is: Who are the players being mentioned in trade rumors and how might they fit with Jeff Hornacek and the New York Knicks?

Rumor: Nicolas Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Trade Candidates

The New York Knicks are in the early stages of a budding rivalry with the Charlotte Hornets. Over the course of the past three seasons, a vast majority of their encounters have been held in a postseason environment, with physicality and down to the wire finishes becoming the norm.

As the Hornets struggle to perform at a postseason-caliber level, however, one of two key members of said rivalry could be on their way out.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the thought around the NBA is that the Hornets could part ways with either Nicolas Batum or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

"The prevailing thought in NBA circles is the Hornets have to move off a salary, with forward Nic Batum, who can’t seem to get and stay healthy or swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist being candidates."

It stands to reason that Charlotte will drive a hard bargain for both players, but their availability is noteworthy.

Batum is one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, but he’s also 29 years of age on a team that’s toeing the line between a rebuild and an immediate push. The injury concerns are somewhat overblown, as he missed 17 total games between 2015-16 and 2016-17, but his efficiency has declined.

If the Hornets believe that Batum is no longer capable of living up to his $120 million price tag, he could be traded.

As for Kidd-Gilchrist, he was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but he’s still just 24 years of age with defensive potential that he’s begun to tap into under the guidance of head coach Steve Clifford.

Kidd-Gilchrist’s non-existent three-point shooting and Charlotte’s crowded perimeter could force him out, but value exists.

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.

Rumor: Kent Bazemore Is Available

The Atlanta Hawks surprised many around the NBA when they re-signed swingman Kent Bazemore to a four-year deal worth $70 million. Bazemore is a highly-regarded character guy, but he’s more of a high-level role player than a star-caliber contributor.

Just two years in, a change of scenery could be on the horizon.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Atlanta would be willing to trade Bazemore if it were able to acquire a first-round draft pick in return—even if it were heavily protected.

"League sources say the right combination of ending contracts and a first-round pick, even one highly protected might be enough to get Bazemore in trade, especially for a team looking for a scoring punch."

That might be a surprising revelation, but Bazemore has developed into a well-rounded two-way player who can contribute in every phase of the game.

Bazemore struggled mightily in 2016-17, but it must be noted that he’s playing well in 2017-18. He’s creating for himself and others, shooting the three-ball effectively, and defending at a high level alongside an otherwise underwhelming defensive perimeter.

He’s also a 28-year-old wing playing for a rebuilding organization that’s doing everything in its power to draft a legitimate franchise player.

If Bazemore is traded, expiring contracts and a first-round draft pick wouldn’t be a terribly unrealistic asking price. Odds are, the team that acquires Bazemore would be a contender that needs an athletic two-way wing.

Thus, while organizations like the New York Knicks may be unwilling to part with a first-round draft pick, there’s certainly a market for a player of Bazemore’s cut and caliber.

How It Impacts The Knicks

As previously alluded to, the New York Knicks need to determine the long-term future of the small forward position. The Knicks have a number of quality perimeter players, but the youth movement will likely call upon a player who can play the 3 for years to come.

Parting ways with a first-round draft pick simply isn’t an option, but Kent Bazemore would be an outstanding fit with the current group of players—even at 28 years of age.

A solid three-point shooter, Bazemore would immediately address the need to convert at a higher volume from beyond the arc. He would also improve the Knicks’ ball movement as a quality facilitator, and provide another lob target in transition.

Bazemore’s current season averages in points (12.9), rebounds (4.5), assists (3.9), and three-point field goals made per game (1.5) would all rank in the top five on the Knicks.

For as solid as Bazemore is offensively, his greatest value to New York would be on defense. Thus far in 2017-18, Bazemore ranks No. 3 amongst shooting guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus, trailing just Andre Roberson and Danny Green.

Moving Bazemore to small forward—or keeping Tim Hardaway Jr. at the 3 and starting Bazemore at the 2—would facilitate the defensive minded culture the Knicks are attempting to create.

Rumor: Nikola Mirotic Still Wants Out

Since Nikola Mirotic returned to the lineup, the Chicago Bulls have been a completely different team. After opening the season at 3-20, the Bulls won seven consecutive games, with Mirotic playing a featured role in all seven outings.

According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, Mirotic’s representatives have informed the front office that the team’s recent success hasn’t changed that he wants to be traded.

"According to a Bulls source, Mirotic and his representatives have still made it known to the front office that he’d waive his no-trade clause if it meant being dealt to a playoff contender when he’s eligible to be moved in mid-January."

A recent winning streak inspired the belief that Mirotic would be willing to remain with the Bulls, but it appears as though his stance has changed.

Mirotic, who will turn 27 in February, signed a two-year deal worth $25 million this past offseason. The second of two years is a club option, thus giving whichever franchise he finishes 2017-18 with the right to either accept or decline the $12.5 million he’s owed.

That’s an appealing reality for rival executives, but the prevailing thought in many circles is that it may be worth waiting this situation out.

Mirotic doesn’t exclusively want out because the Bulls have hit the reset button. His desire to leave Chicago is also based on the fact that he and teammate Bobby Portis engaged in a fist fight prior to the regular season, which continues to impact his morale.

With Chicago maintaining that it won’t simply dump Mirotic for nothing, however, the New York Knicks will likely join 28 other organizations in waiting for the asking price to come down.

How It Impacts The Knicks

The New York Knicks may not be looking for another big man, but Nikola Mirotic is a player who fits both the timeline and the structure of the roster. Coupled with a team-friendly contract that includes a club option, adding him to the mix could yield safe and solid results.

Completing a trade for Mirotic may be an unlikely proposition, but the value and fit is undeniable in this instance—and that’s at least worth looking into.

Mirotic is a sharpshooting power forward who’s beginning to come into his own in the NBA. He struggled to knock down the outside shot in 2016-17, but averaged 2.0 three-point field goals made per game on 39.0 percent shooting from distance in 2015-16.

Thus far in 2016-17, Mirotic is averaging 2.5 three-point field goals made per game on 47.5 percent shooting—perhaps unsustainable, but not terribly far from his capabilities.

By playing Mirotic alongside Porzingis, the Knicks would build a frontcourt with two sharpshooting bigs. That balance of competent post play and lethal shooting would keep opposing defenses on their heels as they attempt to defend two mountains of three-point proficiency.

It’s an unlikely trade, but if the Knicks could create a reasonable trade package, it would at least be worth looking into.

Denver Nuggets Have Tried To Trade Emmanuel Mudiay

Going into the 2015 NBA Draft, some within the basketball community expressed the belief that the New York Knicks should have selected Emmanuel Mudiay. The line of thinking was that New York needed a point guard who could get Carmelo Anthony the ball, and Mudiay appeared capable.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Denver Nuggets have attempted to trade Mudiay on multiple occasions—a starting reality considering he’s in the midst of just his third NBA season.

"Mudiay is a career 37.2 percent shooter, and sources say the Nuggets have attempted to trade him multiple times."

Mudiay was viewed as a player with significant long-term potential, but many around the NBA have soured on him in the near three years since he was drafted.

Mudiay has underwhelmed during his brief NBA career, shooting just 37.3 percent from the field in 153 appearances. He boasts career averages of 11.5 points and 4.5 assists in 26.7 minutes per game, but his inefficiency has opened the door for his competition.

With Mudiay struggling with the pace and spacing of the modern NBA, the Nuggets have handed the starting point guard role to fellow up-and-comer Jamal Murray.

While the concerns are well-founded, Mudiay is still just 21 years of age. Standing at 6’5″ and 200 pounds with a near 6’9″ wingspan, he has a combination of size, length, youth, and athleticism that very few around the NBA possess.

If Mudiay is willing to put the work in to improve upon his flaws, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to at least become a serviceable NBA point guard.

How It Impacts The Knicks

The New York Knicks have found the point guard of the future in rookie phenom Frank Ntilikina. Thus, any attempt at trading for a point guard would be somewhat irrational if head coach Jeff Hornacek doesn’t plan on running the dual point guard system he orchestrated in Phoenix.

If Hornacek believes that utilizing two starting two point guards would elevate the Knicks to the next level, however, buying low on Emmanuel Mudiay could be wise.

Denver was reportedly shopping Mudiay in February, and it doesn’t appear as though much has changed. Fellow lottery pick Jamal Murray has a firm grip on the starting point guard job, and Mudiay is a season away from entering free agency.

Paying Mudiay to be Murray’s backup would be a questionable decision, especially if veteran Paul Millsap helps Denver solidify its place as a postseason-caliber franchise.

For the Knicks, that could mean capitalizing on an opportunity to spend a minimal supply of assets to acquire a dynamic young talent. There’s no guaranteeing that Mudiay would prosper in New York, but at 21 years of age, his best years should be ahead of him.

Playing two 6’5″ point guards alongside one another could breed elite defensive results, albeit with rational concerns about their three-point shooting.

Rumor: Lakers, Mavericks Discuss Trade

This may not seem like a rumor that should concern the New York Knicks, but it’s one with intriguing implications. The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers have promising young players whom most around the NBA expect to see walk this coming summer.

In a recent appearance on ESPN’s Full Court Press, NBA rumors guru Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Lakers and Mavericks discussed swapping Julius Randle for Nerlens Noel.

Both Noel and Randle have been unable to secure the playing time they expected to, which has inevitably sparked a steady stream of trade rumors.

Randle has been one of the best hybrid bigs in the NBA this season, executing at a high level on both ends of the floor. After the Lakers informed him this offseason that he needed to play harder on defense in order secure more playing time, however, they’ve prioritized offense once again.

Due in large part to the emergence of offensive standout Kyle Kuzma, Randle’s playing time has seemingly included a ceiling.

As for Noel, he’s established himself as one of the most promising young defensive bigs in the NBA. Unfortunately, he’s fallen out of favor with Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, playing an average of just 12.5 minutes per game in 2017-18.

If the Knicks decide to trade for a young big man with defensive value, then both Noel and Randle could surface on the radar.

How It Impacts The Knicks

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers discussed a swap that would send one 23-year-old to Dallas and another 23-year-old to Los Angeles. That may not be the most in-depth analysis you’ve ever read, but it’s the critical information here.

Dallas and Los Angeles both seem to be thinking long-term, which means the New York Knicks must do the same in this instance.

By adding Randle to the roster, the Knicks would complement Porzingis’ finesse game with a bully ball big who excels on the defensive end of the floor. Randle is flashing his versatility in 2017-18, playing both interior positions and defending at the highest level of his career thus far.

Also a skilled ball-handler and passer, Randle could be groomed to play a Draymond Green or Al Horford type of role as a versatile defender and capable shot creator.

Noel has become one of the more enigmatic figures in the NBA, but his upside is revered. He looks the part of a David Robinson type of defender in the sense that he has the length, explosiveness, and agility to defend multiple positions, protect the rim, and disrupt the pick and roll.

Due to the seemingly strained relationship between he and the Mavericks, however, it may behoove the Knicks to wait until he becomes a free agent in 2018.

The surplus of bigs on the roster simplifies that decision by a significant measure.

Oklahoma City Is Searching For Shooters

The New York Knicks shipped Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a second-round draft pick. While the Thunder are beginning to see a positive return, their use of the trade market hasn’t yet concluded.

According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, rival executives believe the Thunder will peruse the market for shooters and defenders.

"Around the league, executives believe the Thunder did not acquire star Paul George only to turn around and trade him. Thus, expect the Thunder to beat the bushes for another shooter who can help create space and, possibly, an additional defender."

It’s unclear who or what the Thunder are willing to part ways with, but this could create an opportunity to acquire more assets.

Oklahoma City has one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. The unit of Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Steven Adams has bordered on dominance defensively, and is beginning to find its rhythm on offense.

The second unit remains problematic for the Thunder, however, which has inevitably sparked the pursuit of shooters and defenders to create a necessary measure of depth.

Alex Abrines, Jerami Grant, and Patrick Patterson are a quality trio to bring off the bench, but there’s still something missing. One could argue that Oklahoma City needs another playmaker, but it seems as though the goal is to improve its spacing and defense.

Oklahoma City has limited assets to part with, but the Knicks should be mindful of this opportunity to potentially acquire value.

How It Impacts The Knicks

Truth be told, I fail to see how something like this could be pulled off. Whether the trade partner is the New York Knicks or another organization entirely, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a shortage of assets to offer in a potential trade.

Oklahoma City doesn’t have a 2018 first-round draft pick to offer, nor the type of young talent that the Knicks are looking to add to the rotation.

The only scenario that may be worth exploring is a swap of either Courtney Lee or Kyle O’Quinn for Alex Abrines. Lee would make more sense for the Thunder than Abrines as a three-and-D player, while O’Quinn would be the low-cost defender on an expiring contract whom Sam Presti is likely targeting.

O’Quinn’s contract would match up favorable with Abrines’, but Lee’s would tip the scales with a contract that New York may have trouble matching in a potential trade.

Furthermore, Oklahoma City dealing Abrines would mean giving up one of the best shooters on the roster. That would essentially defeat the purpose of adding more shooters, albeit with the caveat that Lee could be more of a two-way player than Abrines currently is.

Chances are, the Knicks won’t attempt to get involved in a second trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder—unless Paul George hits the market, of course.

Must Read: The players won't quit on the long-term vision

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