New York Knicks: Five bad contracts worth trading for with assets attached

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 29: Solomon Hill #44 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball up the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on October 29, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bismack Biyombo, Hornets ($17 million)

The Charlotte Hornets have dished questionable contracts to supporting players for years. Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Nicolas Batum were all handed lucrative deals, including over $100 million for the latter man in the infamous 2016 offseason.

Kemba Walker was actually the sixth highest-paid player on the Hornets in 2018-19, and he will hit free agency, with the prospect of taking the supermax or signing with the superstar-led Lakers or the New York Knicks.

If Walker stays, to make his prime a positive, the Hornets need to improve their roster and at least clear payroll space to avoid the luxury tax. Just clipping the playoff picture or falling short is not enough, so they need ways to acquire fresh talent, and the loaded 2019 class is the opportunity.

The Knicks can help this cause by taking Bismack Biyombo‘s $17 million salary, which he received after a one-off playoff run with the Toronto Raptors earlier this decade.

Taking a 2020 first-round pick would benefit New York in this deal. Of course, if Walker leaves, there is little reason for the Hornets to do this. Otherwise, it offers some payroll flexibility and the potential to add a higher-priced free agent, depending on how the front office balances the cap figures.

Home/Knicks News