New York Knicks: Mapping out a Frank Ntilikina trade with Suns
What if the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns worked a trade for Frank Ntilikina?
Frank Ntilikina‘s name has entered the trade stratasphere, as the New York Knicks sophomore’s interest level is high within the NBA. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies are among the teams with interest, per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic and Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, respectively.
However, a third team, the Phoenix Suns joined the mix earlier this year, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley. However, the Knicks were not open to moving Ntilikina.
Phoenix is among the teams who reached out to NYK to express interest in Frank Ntilikina. When PHO contacted NYK earlier in the year, NYK said it wasn’t open to moving Ntilikina, per ESPN sources. Some w/Suns were intrigued w/idea of pairing Ntilikina & Devin Booker, per sources
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 30, 2018
Hypothetically, what if the Knicks and Suns were to combine for a Ntilikina trade? It would, of course, take the former’s willingness to deal the 2017 lottery pick, who arrived before Scott Perry took over as general manager.
If a trade were to happen, there are a handful of packages that make sense financially. Does one stand out, though? Let’s take a look:
Frank Ntilikina’s fit with Suns
Ntilikina with Phoenix makes for an interesting fit. It seemingly adds to their point guard situation, which has rotated through Isaiah Thomas, Goran Dragic, Brandon Knight and Tyler Ulis in recent seasons.
The Suns, per Begley, were intrigued at pairing Ntilikina with Devin Booker, conceivably in the backcourt. It’s an interesting duo, with one that’s an outstanding shooter and the other as a standout defender still learning his offensive game.
However, through one-plus seasons, Ntilikina has yet to show starting point-guard ability. From questions on his ball-handling to shooting, he doesn’t seem ready for it yet, which means more growing pains along the way as a reserve.
Maybe that’s what the Suns see: a process to develop Ntilikina. That was always the case upon entry into the 2017 NBA Draft, and he’s still just 20-years-old.
The Knicks, in their rebuilding stage, can afford to wait on Ntilikina. President Steve Mills preached patience before the season started, but will the front office change its mind on a player from the Phil Jackson era?
If so, that plays into Phoenix’s favor, bringing him into a fresh environment that features less pressure to succeed quickly. That may be ideal for a player still learning the North American way of basketball.