New York Knicks: Five other trade candidates before 2019 deadline

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 and Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks sit on the bench late in their 129-97 loss to the Utah Jazz in the second half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 29, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks Mario Hezonja (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja outlasted the four New York Knicks that left in the blockbuster trade, but that doesn’t remove him from the potential candidates to move before Feb. 7.

In flashes, the Croatian forward showed the upside that once made him a top-five pick in 2015, but inconsistent shooting caused his demise from the starting lineup and the rotation, multiple times. He’s had streaks of up to four games on the bench via coach’s decision.

At 6-foot-8, Hezonja still represents a matchup issue if he can score, which could tempt teams needing a bench presence for the playoff push. It comes with defensive questions, but there’s enough to take a flier.

Hezonja’s $6.5 million is a potential issue, however. It’s hardly as much as Jordan’s $22.90 million, but for the production that accompanies the contract, would a team make payroll space for the fourth-year man?

While the Knicks could seek a second-round pick, there’s only so much to acquire with Hezonja’s streaky run in 2018-19. He probably did enough to earn a short-term contract in free agency, but trade value remains to be seen.

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