New York Knicks: Five most likely players to be traded before deadline

If the New York Knicks trade before the deadline, which players make the most sense to move?

The New York Knicks have stayed active at the trade deadline for a handful of seasons, including 2018’s moves for two second-round picks from the Charlotte Hornets and Emmanuel Mudiay from the Denver Nuggets. 2019 may continue that pace.

2018-19 always had low expectations, but a 10-33 record has the Knicks in the NBA’s cellar. That makes them an ideal candidate to move players before the deadline, which can benefit contenders or anyone looking for a trade.

Attention will turn towards the Knicks as Feb. 7 approaches. Rumors have already swirled around at least one player, potentially more as the month continues.

At this point, it’s fair to expect this roster will not remain the same before season’s end. With that said, if a deal happens, who are the most likely players to move before the deadline?

5. Noah Vonleh

The ultimate value play, Noah Vonleh joined the New York Knicks on a partially-guaranteed contract last summer and since provided standout play for this minimal salary. At over 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, while doing a little bit of everything, he’s a stable part of this team.

After four journeyman seasons, no one could have expected Vonleh to break out. He spent time with three teams, none of which kept him around for more than two-plus years.

While the Indiana product is one of the few bright spots on this year’s Knicks, he’s potentially owed a raise this offseason. If the front office wants to preserve its cap space, he could price them out and leave.

Before that can happen, if New York feels this is a definitive conclusion, he makes for an interesting trade candidate ahead of the deadline. What can they receive for him?

Per Sean Deveney of Sporting News, the Philadelphia 76ers want a Vonleh-esque player — a big man that can shoot. They will also move their first-round pick in a deal. If the Knicks can accomplish that feat for a player who was once a question mark to make the team, it would be a coup.

However, if the Knicks want Vonleh in their future, it makes sense to keep him through April and work towards a quick negotiation to keep him around for 2019-20. It’s at the expense of free agency, but if the team does not feel confident in their ability to sign Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard or another top name, might the 23-year-old stick around?