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New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. addresses recent trade rumors

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 29, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 29, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Amid trade rumors, the New York Knicks’ Dennis Smith Jr. addressed his future with the team and what it could all mean.

Trade winds have been prevalent for the New York Knicks, from Marcus Morris to Julius Randle, ever since Dec. 15, the unofficial start of “trade season” arrived. With a 9-24 record and a handful of tradeable contracts, it seems like the Knicks will be active before the February trade deadline.

Perhaps the most mentioned name recently, Dennis Smith Jr. was linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The latest report even hinted that he might want out of New York, potentially marking his third team in fewer than three seasons.

Before Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards, Smith Jr. addressed the trade rumors and him potentially desiring to leave. Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, the third-year point guard said, “Right, I want to be here,” but left other interesting comments on his looming status:

"“I’m not really a wait-around-type guy,” he said, “you know what I’m saying?”“It hasn’t been in my mind,’’ Smith added. “You know what I’m saying? My thing is to take care of what I got going on now. I’m with the New York Knicks, so I try to be the best version of me with this team.”"

Take that for whatever it’s worth.

Smith’s first full season in New York hasn’t gone as planned. Averaging just 5.2 points on 32.5 percent shooting, he has fallen to third string on the depth chart. This comes after working in the offseason to change his shot and win the preseason battle for starting point guard.

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It’s a far cry from the North Carolina State product’s hot start last season, when he posted games of 25 and 31 points in his first few Knicks appearances. Those games have been difficult to find since, with injuries and inconsistent play mostly following since.

Frank Ntilikina‘s emergence in Smith Jr.’s absence did not help, and Elfrid Payton‘s return from a hamstring injury further impacted point guard.

Now, Smith Jr. is potentially looking at yet changing destinations. The Timberwolves are the rumored option, but teams like the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans could all make sense for the young point guard, as each of them is outside the playoff picture and either rebuilding or need more youth.

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Either way, Smith Jr.’s time with the New York Knicks could be nearing its end. 2020 is almost here, so perhaps the new year provides a new scenery for the next step of his NBA career.

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