Knicks trade rumors: New York eyeing player market as Dec. 15 nears
According to a report, the New York Knicks are eyeing moves to improve the roster as the Dec. 15 trade date arrives.
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are “keeping their ‘eye on a lot of players,”‘ seeking to improve the roster as Dec. 15, which marks the first day teams can trade 2019 free-agent signings, arrives. However, Begley notes “there’s nothing to suggest they are locked in on that course of action.”
If the Knicks do eye moves, though, the potential implications are interesting:
Front office is on the clock
President Steve Mills’ job is reportedly on the line and he might already be out the door. For any chance at salvaging it, making moves that bolster the roster, whether for this year or the future, could be his way of making the case to remain employed.
A trade to upgrade the 2019-20 roster can make the Knicks competitive, thus potentially removing part of the lowlight of the most recent offseason. That seems unlikely, though, if the stance of not trading first-round picks remains, which Begley alluded to in the same report.
Moves that eye the future could also positively influence Mills’ standing, as fetching assets for the team’s expiring contracts, including Marcus Morris and Elfrid Payton, can indicate roster-building. However, it depends on how much value any of those players hold, which seems small.
Either way, the front office is on the clock to make something happen.
Trying for a bigger name outside of free agency
The Knicks have struggled to attract big names in free agency since 2010, most notably striking out this past summer. It was an indictment of where things stand, and waiting for 2021 could, once again, result in nothing.
Are trades the answer?
Begley notes New York’s unwillingness to move first-round picks, and moving on a bigger name doesn’t mean surrendering top draft assets. However, a name like Kevin Knox or Frank Ntilikina may have to go if it means targeting the San Antonio Spurs’ DeMar DeRozan.
Package one or both of them with an expiring contract or two and the Knicks could trade for a superior talent to any they currently roster. It sightly increases their competitiveness and potentially removes them from the NBA’s cellar.
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That doesn’t mean it makes complete sense, as taking the slow, steady route with young pieces can create a foundation like the Brooklyn Nets and other organizations. But if the New York Knicks are looking to fast-track the process, seeking outside help in a non-free-agent avenue is their best bet.