Knicks Trade Rumors: Rounding up the latest buzz as of Jan. 9

Rumor: Sustained Losing Could Force Kyle O’Quinn Trade

If the New York Knicks are committed to Willy Hernangomez, then at least one of the other centers on the roster will need to be moved. He’s been unable to find his place to the rotation, due entirely to the presence of Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn.

The Knicks’ recent losing ways may have a silver lining, however, as they could create an opportunity for Hernangomez to reclaim his playing time and status.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks will look to move O’Quinn if the losing season continues.

"According to sources, the Knicks still consider Hernangomez, 23, a part of the future. If this stretch of 16 of 20 games on the road tosses the Knicks out of the playoff picture, they certainly will step up their bid to trade O’Quinn at the deadline and open up playing time for the Spanish center who is Kristaps Porzingis’ best friend."

Losing O’Quinn would be a disappointing turn of events, but the circumstances dictate that it may be the most rational decision to make.

New York began the season at 17-14, but has gone just 2-7 over the course of the past nine games. If the Knicks were to continue to lose at this rate, they’d likely fall out of the postseason picture as the trade deadline nears.

It’s in that scenario that New York would have reason to part ways with O’Quinn, who could leave the organization as soon as this July.

O’Quinn will be eligible for unrestricted free agency during the 2018 offseason. New York could conceivably re-sign him, but other franchises will likely be able to offer more money and playing time to O’Quinn than the Knicks.

Seeing O’Quinn go would be less than ideal, but it could make sense as far as facilitating the long-term rebuild is concerned.

Not only would it free up a spot in the rotation for Hernangomez, but it could net the Knicks a first or second-round draft pick.