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Knicks Trade Rumors: Teams inquiring on Frank Ntilikina before deadline

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 16: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 16: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Knicks have reportedly toyed with Frank Ntilikina’s future.

Frank Ntilikina was the talk when head coach David Fizdale benched him for three games in December. Scoreless performances plagued the New York Knicks sophomore, but he returned to the rotation, to fill a reserve role, albeit with one absence via coach’s decision in between.

Ntilikina’s name was in trade discussions, but only via teams inquiring about him. It briefly clouded his future with the organization, before drifting away.

Well, the Frenchman’s future has become the topic of conversation, again. Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns inquired on Ntilikina’s availability. However, the difference from the reports earlier this season, general manager Scott Perry unsuccessfully reached out to the Atlanta Hawks for a deal.

General debate also started on whether the Knicks should trade Ntilikina, despite having “supporters” in the front office, Bondy added.

If something will happen, there are fewer than three weeks to orchestrate a transaction that changes the 20-year-old scenery.

Ntilikina was not a pick of Perry’s, who was hired after the 2017 NBA Draft. Phil Jackson was still in charge as president of basketball operations, selecting the young guard ahead of Dennis Smith Jr. So it makes some sense to move out someone that’s not Perry’s guy.

However, Ntilikina is hardly into his NBA career. Players take time to develop, especially someone that had to transition from the French playing style to the Association as a 19-year-old. He will not become a finished product overnight, of course, but it’s down to if the Knicks opt for patience.

It’s not like young players haven’t taken precedence, either, and received ample time to work through hardships. Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Allonzo Trier are the most prominent names, and Emmanuel Mudiay was given the opportunity to redeem himself at 22-year-old.

Ntilikina, though, is shooting just 34.4 percent and 30.1 percent for 6.0 points in 2018-19. The percentages are below his rookie numbers and the point average is up by just 0.1. He’s receiving opportunities to play but has just one game of double-digit points since Dec. 14, with a 28.1 shooting percentage in that span.

Few numbers back up Ntilikina’s play, so it’s questionable what his value is. Age, defensive ability and potential give him something, but if the offensive numbers don’t increase, it caps a potential return for the Knicks. That continuation may not decrease his value, leaving the organization no choice but take whatever they can receive via trade.

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Either way, it’s an interesting storyline moving forward as the New York Knicks decide who’s in and who’s out for 2019-20.

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