Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of trading for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

6 of 6

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 19: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets takes a shot against Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on January 19, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Pro: Fitting The Timeline

Justifying the price of a first-round draft pick would be a tall task. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has significant potential on both ends of the floor, but he’s also approaching the end of the rookie-scale contract that creates financial appeal.

Nevertheless, one can’t possibly overlook the fact that acquiring Hollis-Jefferson would mean trading for a player who fits the rebuilding timeline.

The New York Knicks are building around 22-year-old All-Star Kristaps Porzingis and 19-year-old point guard Frank Ntilikina. 25-year-old shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. can also be added to the mix, thus rounding out the most established members of the young core.

Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, just turned 23 years of age on Jan. 3. In other words: He’d fit the timeline that New York is building along.

By adding Hollis-Jefferson, the Knicks would have an athletic and versatile defender who’s in the same age range as his featured teammates. That’s even more exciting when one considers that Hollis-Jefferson has improved in every season he’s played.

In 2017-18, Hollis-Jefferson is setting career-highs in points (14.3), rebounds (6.5), assists (2.3), and blocks (0.7) per game, as well as field goal (.472) and free throw (.794) percentage.

Must Read: Five athletic wings to consider trading for

The question is: Should the New York Knicks give up a first-round draft pick for a 23-year-old wing who’s getting better every year? Or should they set a high asking price of their own?

Home/Knicks News