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Knicks Rumors: New York has interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are searching for an athletic wing to round the perimeter into form. A new target: shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The New York Knicks are in the process of creating a culture that’s capable of enabling sustainable success. With point guard Frank Ntilikina, swingman Tim Hardaway Jr., and power forward Kristaps Porzingis, one could argue that three of the most critical positions in the rotation have already been filled.

With a remaining void at the other wing position, however, the Knicks are beginning to establish whom it is they believe can fill the void.

Hardaway has done an excellent job in 2017-18, playing both wing positions and establishing himself as an explosive offensive player. In the pursuit of stability, however, the front office has reportedly pinpointed a long-term weakness along the perimeter

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, the Knicks would like to add an athletic wing—namely Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

"As the Knicks plot out their future during this downtrending season, a particular mold of player remains a priority for the front office, according to sources: an athletic wing.One of that ilk who has piqued New York’s interest is Lakers forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer."

New York is unlikely to pursue a trade for Caldwell-Pope, but that may actually be a safer and more beneficial approach for Scott Perry and the Knicks.

It’s plausible that the Knicks are looking for a player who’s similar to Caldwell-Pope, and not KCP himself. That would certainly make sense, as New York needs an athletic wing who can defend multiple positions and space the floor.

Caldwell-Pope certainly checks those boxes, which could make him a rational target in the 2018 period of NBA free agency.

Caldwell-Pope currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he signed a one-year deal that will make him an unrestricted free agent this coming summer—at 24 years of age.

Caldwell-Pope’s youth, athleticism, and upside make him an obvious target for a franchise that’s in the midst of a rebuild. He’s proven to be a well-rounded player, as evidenced by his averages of 13.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per game.

There’s more upside than established ability at this stage, but a 24-year-old swingman with postseason experience and two-way potential will always intrigue general managers.

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Nothing is even close to imminent, but the New York Knicks are in the market for an athletic wing and a versatile defender—two areas in which.Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be of great.

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