Knicks: 3 ways to make roster space for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Elfrid Payton
3. Trade for draft picks or a 2-for-1
This is probably the most difficult path forward. Most teams across the league are already up against their own roster constraints, and unless the Knicks are willing to include a significant young piece, it’s hard to believe they could net much value for any of the bottom-dwellers on their roster.
I know Knicks fans love them some Iggy Brazdeikis, but is any team really going to cough up a draft pick for him?
If Leon Rose is comfortable waiving Jacob Evans, New York only needs to create one more spot to fit both Payton and Kidd-Gilchrist on their roster. Optimally, they would do so by making a trade where they gain an extra second round pick or perhaps a player in a 2-for-1 deal, perhaps with a third team involved.
Reggie Bullock is a nice piece on a reasonable contract who should generate interest on the market. Perhaps Rose can pair him with Brazdeikis for a decent return?
What about Kevin Knox? The team has until December 29th to decide on his fourth year option. While you would think they would want to keep the Kentucky product around under the tutelage of his former coach Kenny Payne, his fit on the current roster is a bit awkward, and he at least gives the front office some value to dangle in trade.
Trading either Bullock or Knox before the season seems a bit far-fetched. Again, this is the most difficult path to creating an open roster spot.
Next. Pros, Cons trading for John Wall. dark
While we all read the tea leaves to guess what the Knicks will do next, it’s very possible a deal will emerge out of nowhere, like the Ed Davis trades that put the Knicks in this situation to begin with. I guess we will have to wait and see, but expect both Elfrid Payton and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to be included on the roster when the regular season begins.