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

4. Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. falls slightly behind some of the New York Knicks’ rookies. He’s only 21-years-old but, like Ntilikina, questionable results in fewer than two NBA seasons have impacted his stock. Contrasting, though, is one player received a scenery change.

Dallas once had their point guard of the future, until they traded for Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft. He became their primary ball-handler, shifting Smith, who shot inefficiently and was labeled a poor defender, to a secondary usage role.

Just seven months later, the Mavs moved on from the North Carolina State product.

All hope isn’t lost for Smith. With uncertainty at point guard, the Knicks can provide a trial run through April, allowing him a chance to stick long term.

If that succeeds, and the Pelicans, or someone else, has a superstar available to trade, the Knicks may have an interesting asset to move. It’s not at Porzingis’ level, but enough to provide a team their point guard of the future. That leaves New York’s position in doubt, again, so a contingency plan would become necessary.

There’s upside for Smith to develop as an asset, but a poor run with the Knicks could deplete most of his value before season’s end.