New York Knicks: Ranking the trade assets, post-Kristaps Porzingis

5. Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina‘s stock was never incredibly high, but two seasons of subpar results, and no improvement from Year One to Year Two may have tanked his value. The large sample size does not trend in his favor, either.

The New York Knicks shopped Ntilikina earlier this season. Nothing happened, of course, but if they continue to deal players from the old regime — AKA what Phil Jackson did as president of basketball operations — this could be the next trade candidate, whether in a large-scale deal or for a smaller, scenery-changing transaction.

Maybe the Frenchman draws a first-round pick in return at this stage. He’s still 20-years-old and offers intriguing physical traits to tease upside. That’s enough to create value, even if just for a protected first-round selection.

Plus, Ntilikina’s frequent injuries in 2018-19 and role as a two-time recipient of head coach David Fizdale’s doghouse don’t bode well for his stock.

To regain value, however, maybe it’s best for the Knicks to move on and seek a trade for Ntilikina, who also has two years of team control left for under $10 million total. That adds to the appeal, whether or not it’s major.

The Knicks have a tradeable piece here, but one with questionable value. He’s still an intriguing piece, just not as advertised, so far, as a former No. 9 overall pick.