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New York Knicks: Realistic goals for the 2018 NBA trade deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 23: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 23, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 23: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 23, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Acquire An Athletic Wing

It’s no secret that the New York Knicks are in the market for an athletic wing. New York has addressed four of the five positions with quality up-and-coming players, but lacks the necessary athleticism to adequately defend the three-point shot.

It’s highly unlikely that the Knicks will find their version of Paul George or Kawhi Leonard at the 2018 NBA trade deadline, but an athletic wing would be a realistic target.

New York has become a solid defensive team, but it continues to struggle with defending the three-point shot. It ranks No. 25 in the NBA in three-point field goals allowed per game, which doesn’t line up with its No. 12 ranking in opponent three-point field goal percentage.

That paints a clear picture: New York can prevent opponents from making the three-point shot, but it lack the athleticism to run shooters off the line.

Offensively, New York would benefit greatly from adding an athletic wing who can help Tim Hardaway Jr. push the pace. It would also enable the Knicks to potentially add the slashing playmaker who’s missing from the current roster.

New York was previously tied to Brooklyn Nets wing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, but the asking price of a first-round draft pick ended the discussions.

We’ll get there.

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