New York Knicks: Mapping out a Frank Ntilikina trade with Suns
Dragan Bender
The New York Knicks have already taken on failed lottery picks from other teams, with Emmanuel Mudiay, Trey Burke, Mario Hezonja and Noah Vonleh on the roster. They have found various levels of success, and, on a rebuilding team, own room to grow in a change of scenery
Why not bring in another player like this?
From the Suns, Dragan Bender fits this profile. He’s a former lottery pick that never lived up to the hype, with poor shooting numbers and few rebounds for a player at 7-foot-1. (Bender had just 4.4 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game in 2017-18.)
In 2018-19, Bender has played in six games, but sparingly. He averages just 4.3 minutes per game.
The Knicks probably wouldn’t take Bender for his skills, at this point, but the salary that nears Ntilikina’s $4.1 million. The former No. 4 overall pick makes $4.6 million in the final year of his deal.
New York can give Bender a trial run in the frontcourt for the rest of the season. If he doesn’t pan out, they let his contract expire and part ways before free agency. That not only provides minimal risk, but opens cap space towards a maximum-salary free agent.
This won’t be the only piece received from the Suns, however.