Knicks Trade Rumors: Realistically available targets to upgrade perimeter

Tyreke Evans, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 28 (9/19/1989)
Experience: Ninth Season
Slash Line: .466/.403/.794
Season Averages: 31.1 MPG, 19.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.2 3PM

The Memphis Grizzlies have been caught in a proverbial tailspin. Marc Gasol is still the franchise player, but with Mike Conley sidelined by an injury, the Grizzlies have fallen out of the postseason picture, thus causing speculation that trades could be on the horizon.

According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, one of the players who’s garnering significant trade interest is versatile playmaker Tyreke Evans.

"They’ve gotten a big boost from the play of guard Tyreke Evans, who seems to have rediscovered his game in Memphis, and they have already received significant interest."

This may be an irrelevant report for the Knicks to consider, but if the goal is to win now, it may be worth exploring the price of doing business.

If the goal is to end up in the draft lottery and find another high-quality prospect to develop long-term, this would be an irrational decision. Evans is a 28-year-old wing on an expiring deal, which implies that he may not be a viable long-term option.

If the goal is to compete in the short-term, however, then acquiring Evans would be move that pushes the organization in the right direction.

Evans is a dynamic isolation player who can break a defense down with his dribble, finish at the rim, and create for his teammates. He’s even improved his outside shot to the point of shooting above 40 percent from beyond the arc.

If the cost is a second-round draft pick, then it may be worth acquiring Evans. If the cost is a first-round draft pick, however, the long-term benefits simply wouldn’t add up.