Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Trade Rumors: Realistically available targets to upgrade perimeter

By Maxwell Ogden

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on January 9, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on January 9, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 13: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 13: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Maurice Harkless, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: Small Forward
Age: 24 (5/11/1993)
Experience: Sixth Season
Slash Line: .445/.339/.706
Season Averages: 20.5 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.7 SPG

The New York Knicks would be wise to evaluate the shooting guards who are on the open market, but the more glaring void is at small forward. New York has Tim Hardaway Jr. locked in long-term at the 2, and while he’s proven capable of playing the 3, he’s better as an off-guard.

If the Knicks are going to execute a trade for a small forward, then there may not be a better option to pursue than Maurice Harkless of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Harkless has hit a bit of a wall on the offensive end of the floor in 2017-18, but his defense continues to be a strength. That’s an appealing truth for the Knicks to consider, as one could argue that the primary void is the presence of an athletic wing defender.

Standing at 6’9″ and 220 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan and plus athleticism, Harkless has the tools to fill that role to near perfection.

Although Harkless hasn’t been referenced in trade rumors in 2017-18, he was tied to the Knicks during the summer of 2017. Thus, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the possibility of signing the defensive-minded Queens native.

Coupled with the fact that Harkless can make his mark as a transition finisher who helps New York push the pace, adding the 24-year-old to the rotation should be considered.

Home/Knicks News