New York Knicks: Free agency and trades in 2018, reviewed

Knicks trade Willy Hernangomez to Hornets

Maybe the forgotten transaction in 2018, the New York Knicks sent Willy Hernangomez to the Charlotte Hornets for Johnny O’Bryant, a 2020 second-round pick and a 2021 second-round pick before the trade deadline.

Once upon a time, Hernangomez looked like part of New York’s future. He averaged 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game in 2016-17, appearing in 72 contests and starting 22 of them. This earned All-Rookie First Team honors.

All seemed fine, until then-head coach Jeff Hornacek placed Hernangomez at the end of the bench in 2017-18, resulting in the Spanish center’s unhappiness and a requested trade.

Before the move, Hernangomez averaged just 9.0 minutes in 26 games. The minimal playing time could link with his subpar defensive acumen, and his game resembled Enes Kanter‘s, who started at center in 72 games.

This deal has not changed much for the third-year man, averaging just 12.6 minutes per game in 51 appearances and three starts. He still puts up strong point and rebound numbers (7.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2018-19), but behind the Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky in Charlotte.

As for the Knicks, they moved on with the selection of Mitchell Robinson in the 2018 NBA Draft. He seems part of their long-term future. O’Bryant was not, as New York waived him the day after the trade. Both of those second-round picks will not arrive for a while, so the book is out on the compensation.