New York Knicks: Why so quiet so close to trade deadline?
With the trade deadline looming, what are the New York Knicks trying to do? While other teams are making moves, New York has been quiet.
It’s February 2—six days away from the NBA’s 2018 trade deadline. Although there have been some rumors, the New York Knicks have been relatively quiet.
With Blake Griffin traded out of the blue from his longtime Los Angeles Clippers in a surprise deal with the Detroit Pistons, the season of trades has begun. Nikola Mirotic was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 1.
Even Tyreke Evans is sitting out games for the Memphis Grizzlies until a deal can be finalized.
What could the Knicks be waiting for?
Perhaps general manager Scott Perry is making phone calls right now. Or, president of basketball operations Steve Mills is negotiating deals at this exact moment. While the Knicks haven’t been in many public talks, it’s completely possible that they’re close to a deal.
It could end up being similar to the announcement of the Blake Griffin to Detroit deal (rumors emerged just minutes before the trade).
However, the Knicks could be playing a very risky, but strategic game—a game of patience.
The Waiting Game: A Bold And Risky, But Successful Strategy
At the trade deadline, anything can happen. For instance, All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was dealt to New Orleans in a deal consisting of no established players other than Buddy Hield and Tyreke Evans. Not a seemingly fair deal, correct?
That trade went through on Feb. 20, three days before the 2016-17 season’s deadline.
New York could be playing mind games, waiting on teams to become rash and accept the first deal they get for players—even All-Stars. While being patient is a great strategy, it’s a very high-risk, high-reward plan.
If they decide to wait on players, other teams could swoop in and steal their shot. Often times if teams wait, they will miss their one chance at a deal.
After Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he revealed that two deals fell through. One trade would have sent him to the Houston Rockets, and the other deal would have sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers with Paul George.
Cleveland was supposed to have both All-Stars by draft night. However, the Cavaliers faltered. OKC came in, traded for Paul George, and later added Anthony.
The Thunder played the waiting game with perfection.
Who Could Stay And Who Could Go?
The names gaining attention on the Knicks’ roster are vital to their success. Players such as Enes Kanter and Courtney Lee are being looked at by unknown teams. Willy Hernangomez, Kyle O’Quinn, and Lance Thomas have been, as well.
The Charlotte Hornets previously stated they would want to trade Kemba Walker to the Knicks, although Michael Jordan said he wanted nothing less than an All-Star in return.
With the players in New York currently, could the front office negotiate a deal to add a piece to the playoff puzzle? Could the Knicks finally fill the void at point guard and trade for Walker?
Even with Courtney Lee’s career season, is Tyreke Evans suiting up in the orange and blue a possibility for the second half of the season?
Must Read: Pros and cons of tanking after the 2018 NBA trade deadline
The NBA (and hopefully the New York Knicks) may see a flood of trades in the hectic and final week before the trade deadline.