Exploring some potential landing spots for Frank Ntilikina that could net the New York Knicks a nice return.
With the recent news that New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina isn’t getting an extension, it’s possible the former lottery pick could find himself on a new team in short order.
In hindsight, the 2017 draft was a bit overhyped, as the no-brainer picks at the top never really turned into the stars we expected them to become. As the dominos fell one-by-one and news broke on their 2020 contract extensions, a few players seemed to be missing from the list. There were some big names that seem to be hitting the free-agent market in 2021, along with one in particular that definitely bummed me out, but didn’t surprise me: Frank Ntilikina.
In the end, I believe Frank will be a Knick come next season, but I think the coaches and front office really want him to prove himself this season when he’s given his opportunities throughout the year.
Ntilikina’s inability to create enough offense to make it worthwhile to keep him on the floor is the driving force behind this move. We all know his defense is nearing some of the best in the league, and his ability to be a playmaker has gotten better over time, but it seems that Leon Rose and Co. are left wanting more.
Because of this, I would not be surprised if the Knicks were to explore trade offers through the season. Plenty of teams have shown interest in the young French Prince, but the Knicks have been reluctant to bite on any deals. However, Leon Rose may want to rid the team of any signs of Phil Jackson for good.
Here are a few trades I think the Knicks should explore if they ever do move on from Frank Ntilikina:
Frank Ntilikina, Reggie Bullock and two 2nd round picks for Lonzo Ball
The rumor came true, we got a Ball brother, and it’s not LiAngelo! All jokes aside, Lonzo has been rumored to the Knicks for about a year now, and what time better to make it happen.
As much as all of New York is enamored with Immanuel Quickley already, for the time being, I see him best suited as a high-end second unit leader alongside Kevin Knox. Ball is one of the league’s premier facilitators and would provide an instant impact to the on-court production of all Knicks starters.
Say what you want about LaVar Ball, but he’s raised some intelligent basketball players. Lonzo’s court vision is second to none and has shown improvement in his jump shot and free throws since coming into the league three seasons ago.
Although he may require $18-20 million per year, with Julius Randle’s contract only being guaranteed for $4 million next year, the Knicks can still keep the same cap flexibility they have now while possibly acquiring the point guard they’ve coveted for so long.
Frank wouldn’t cost the Pels nearly as much to re-sign and fills a hole at either the starting two-guard position or off the bench, depending on what New Orleans wants to do with JJ Reddick. Also, I consider Frank to be a better defender than Ball, who also has the ability to guard multiple positions which new head coach Stan Van Gundy might prefer. The two 2nd rounders definitely sweeten the pot a bit, as the Pels continue to acquire pieces to build around budding superstar Zion Williamson.
Frank Ntilikina, Alec Burks, Dallas 2023 1st, 2021 2nd rd pick for Zach LaVine
Adding a shooter of Zach LaVine’s caliber next to RJ’s improved slashing ability would just be so much to watch. Also, the Knicks would have a mini dunk contest every night on the floor between LaVine and rookie Obi Toppin. Also, reuniting LaVine with his first NBA head coach Tom Thibodeau would be a match made in heaven.
Zach LaVine tried forcing his way out of Chicago this past season, but now under new head coach Billy Donovan, the organization aims to keep their star attraction happy in red and black. Unfortunately, I don’t believe LaVine suddenly becomes smitten with the Bulls’ current situation and then finishes this contract with them. Even if he does, he’s certainly gone in 2 years when the deal is up, and at that point, I don’t believe that Chicago would be far along enough in their rebuild to convince him to stay.
Ideally, you want a player of Zach LaVine’s talents to be your 2nd or 3rd best player on a playoff-contending team, so this trade may be the catalyst for that. If the stars were to align, and New York managed to grab one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, such as Cade Cunningham or Jalen Green, a starting lineup in the ’21-’22 season would look something like LaVine, Cade or Jalen, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Mitch with Quickley and Knox off the bench.
Assuming everyone progresses the way we believe they will, that’s a 7th or 8th seed at worst.
Frank Ntilikina and Julius Randle for Victor Oladipo
This trade only happens assuming 3 things: Victor Oladipo refuses to re-sign with Indiana, the Pacers found a new home for Myles Turner, and of course, Oladipo agrees to sign an extension with the Knicks, and I refuse to do this trade otherwise. If I were Leon Rose, this trade doesn’t go down until I see that Vic is able to stay relatively healthy throughout the first half of the season, and then we can cut a deal with Indiana at the deadline.
I can see the Knicks trying for any trade where they give up not a whole lot in exchange for something of questionable, but higher value. As much as I love Frankie, if we could finesse a team like Indiana with a disgruntled star such as Oladipo, Ntilikina is as good as gone.
Unlike LaVine, if Oladipo returns to his pre-injury form, I think he could easily be the 2nd best player on a championship-contending team, so it might bring the Knicks that much closer to our first playoff birth in almost a decade.
What I admire most about Vic is his hunger. Injuries aside, he loves the competition and strives to win. I will never forget when his trainer, David Alexander, tweeted out a text sent from Oladipo with the words “When do we start? I’m ready to take it to another level” just minutes after his game 7 loss to the Cavs in the 2018 playoffs.
Regardless of whether or not the Knicks would be getting 100% of that Victor or just 85% of it, you want that kind of guy on your team when your roster is as young and impressionable as ours is.