Who could be traded?
In the potential scenario that the New York Knicks trade away one of their players, it seemed likely that it will come from one their guards or veteran forwards. Although I do believe that Enes Kanter will be traded before the end of the season, it is more likely to happen later in the season. The same goes with either Trey Burke or Emmanuel Mudiay. I have a feeling the Knicks will only look to sign one of the two guards to save cap space for next season’s free agency class.
Other players the Knicks signed this offseason are restricted from trades until at least December 15. This includes Mario Hezonja, Noah Vonleh and Luke Kornet.
With that being said, let’s look at some of the players the Knicks could look to trade away in the next coming weeks.
Frank Ntilikina
As a proponent of Frank Ntilikina, it was still necessary to include him with the recent reported interest in the Knicks’ guard.
The French guard’s role has been inconsistent throughout the season as he has found himself in struggling with his shot and overall aggressiveness on offense. Much of Ntilikina’s value comes from his age, 20, his size with a height measured at 6’6″ and a wingspan measured at 7’1″ (potential to keep growing), and his above average defensive tendencies.
The Knicks may choose to move the second-year guard in order to receive future picks and players to waive before Dec. 15. I see this as unlikely, though, with David Fizdale’s comments regarding Ntilikina and Knox’s struggles, per Zach Braziller of the New York Post.
"“No, [I didn’t see the story], but I think I’ve got a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old trying to figure out the NBA, the league that’s full of the absolute best players in the world, the best coaches in the world, doing it in the absolute toughest market in America. Give them a break,” he said following practice. “These guys are learning on the fly. Whoever’s criticizing them, let me know how many people can become great at 19 and 20 while they’re being punched in the face and they’re learning it all at the same time. I don’t hear those critics.”"
Damyean Dotson
After finding himself out of the Knicks’ rotation due to Fizdale’s rotation changes, Damyean Dotson has finally made his way back out on the court with great production. Since making his way back into the rotation, Dotson has been putting a stat line of 16.7 PPG (62.5 FG percent and 65.0 3P percent), 4.7 RPG and 1.5 SPG in the last four games.
It would be curious to trade the former University of Houston Cougar, but all players need to be considered and the former second round pick would garner a decent haul with his rookie contract, three-and-D persona, and age at 24 years. He still has a lot of room to grow, but he has already shown a solid foundation to build on.
With those factors he is an easy player to move, but probably not the right move for the Knicks at this time, unless they are given an offer they cannot refuse.