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New York Knicks: Realistic trade targets for star-chasing front office

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2019 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 111-104. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are on pace to miss the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 1997. As such, it’s fair to believe that the Spurs would be willing to part with one of, if not both of, LaMarcus Aldridge or DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan may very well decline his player option and enter free agency, however, which makes Aldridge the listed player who answers the question at hand: Who are realistic trade targets?

Aldridge will turn 35 in July, but he’s still a productive power forward who could fit in well alongside Mitchell Robinson. He can simplify the game for up-and-coming shooting guard RJ Barrett as a player who can receive the ball in the low or high post and consistently convert.

In many respects, he could play a similar role to what David West was able to alongside Paul George and Roy Hibbert with the Indiana Pacers.

Aldridge wouldn’t command much of an asking price at 35 years of age, which could be the best reason to do this. The worst-case scenario may be parting with a first-round pick from the Clippers or Mavericks that most expect to land in the high 20s.

That request would likely be an example of San Antonio overplaying its hand, however, which makes the potential acquisition of a seven-time All-Star who’s still productive an intriguing option.

It wouldn’t blow anyone away, but it could also be the first big move in the process of constructing a roster that can make the Playoffs.