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New York Knicks: 3 options to fix the point guard problem

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans in action against the Miami Heat during a preseason game at American Airlines Arena on December 14, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2) Trade for a proven point guard

After failing to sign anyone beyond Elfrid Payton in the offseason, the Knicks will need to wait until teams settle into the new year before trying to swing a deal for a point guard. But I expect team president Leon Rose is working the phones to identify a suitable option.

Whether you believe Immanuel Quickley is the point guard of the future based on a few preseason games, or not, the Knicks need help in the backcourt. Their offense becomes so much better if they can play both Quickley and Rivers in guard combinations that feature another ball-handler who can shoot.

It’s not mutually exclusive to believe in some of the current options on the roster while realizing the team needs to add a proven playmaker.

Who should the Knicks try to acquire? I will let you debate that. It’s impossible to know what the market looks like from afar. Fans can search depth charts for teams with redundancies to identify some intriguing possibilities, but every player comes at a cost, and it is Leon Rose’s job to weigh those costs against each other in finding the best trade.

The Knicks balked at trading for players on mega-contracts like John Wall or Russell Westbrook, much to the happiness of the fanbase. With plenty of future draft picks and cap space, perhaps they can target a more reasonable option.

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