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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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Milwaukee, WI – FEBRUARY 2: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 2, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee, WI – FEBRUARY 2: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 2, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Clear Up The Logjam

The New York Knicks have four centers on the roster and just 48 minutes to distribute between them. With Enes Kanter thriving as a starter and Kyle O’Quinn excelling as a backup, that distribution has generally been split between a grand total of two players.

With promising second-year player Willy Hernangomez and disgruntled veteran Joakim Noah waiting behind Kanter and O’Quinn, the Knicks have a decision to make.

Kanter and O’Quinn are both playing on expiring deals, which has created the belief that at least one of New York’s featured centers will be traded before the deadline. The Knicks like the two players, but also understand that both could soon walk in free agency.

If that were to transpire, then the Knicks would lose one or two valuable players without receiving anything in return—thus depriving themselves of a potential asset.

As for Hernangomez and Noah, both have grown unhappy with the organization—and for admittedly good reason. Both players want to play, but have spent a vast majority of the season riding the pine, thus wasting a season of their respective careers.

Regardless of what the Knicks ultimately decide to do, they must clear up the logjam at center—and it stands to reason that at least two of the centers will need to be shipped out.

UPDATE: tradedThe New York Knicks have Willy Hernangomez to the Charlotte Hornets for Johnny O’Bryant and two second-round draft picks.

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