New York Knicks: Five potential trade destinations for Frank Ntilikina

2. Utah Jazz

Like the Spurs, the Utah Jazz have struggled as a defensive team, unlike their previous work at this end of the floor. They allow the sixth-fewest points at 108.1 per game, but teams still shoot 47.7 percent against them, the fourth-worst mark in the NBA.

It goes further, as the Jazz also let opponents shoot 36.4 percent on three-pointers.

This issue has contributed to them as a 10-12 team, which places them 13th in the Western Conference. It’s a far cry from the top half of the playoff picture in 2017-18.

If Utah searches for defensive help, or to just shake things up, could they call the New York Knicks on Ntilikina?

A potential deal can see Ntilikina go for Thabo Sefolosha‘s expiring $5.25 million and a protected first-round pick in 2019, if the Jazz feel confident enough to make the postseason. It can have a lottery protection, before it shrinks to one-to-three in 2020 and unprotected by 2021.

So, more than likely, New York receives this pick within two years. Plus, they remove Sefolosha’s contract and free up salary for the anticipated 2019 free agent.

This gives Ntilikina a change of scenery out West, with the ability to play behind Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell. There’s no high-pressure situation to grow and succeed, but playing a role where the spotlight isn’t on him to turn into an offensive threat,