Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of pursuing Avery Bradley

Pro: Defense

The New York Knicks have an elite rim protector in Kristaps Porzingis and a potentially elite on-ball defender in Frank Ntilikina. Both have displayed a commitment to defense that’s rare amongst players at age 22 and younger.

In order to reward that commitment, the Knicks must surround their developing duo with like-minded veterans who don’t need to be coached for effort on defense.

It’s never a good thing when the younger players are working harder on defense than the veterans, but that’s what’s transpired since Porzingis first arrived in New York. That’s a concerning truth that could potentially alienate the Knicks’ Unicorn if the trend continues.

By adding Avery Bradley to the mix, the front office would go a long way towards proving to Porzingis and Ntilikina that they aren’t outliers on defense.

Bradley is a two-time All-Defense honoree whom most agree was robbed of the honor in 2016-17. He’s played elite on-ball defense against both backcourt positions, as proven by his ability to consistently defend Isaiah Thomas’ man when it was a star-caliber guard.

Considering Bradley has never played with a rim protector like Porzingis, it’s safe to assume he’d be an even better defender in New York.