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Knicks: 3 buy-low trade options for shooting help

By Brad Dressler

Jan 13, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick (4) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick (4) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 29: JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on December 29, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

JJ Redick for Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr., and a 2nd round pick

My favorite trade of the three in this article, for sure.

Before I get into the breakdown of the trade, I would love a coaching tandem or GM/Head Coach pairing of JJ Redick and Austin Rivers in the future for the Knicks. They’re two of the smartest basketball minds in the league and this trade might pave a path for Redick’s post-career.

As far as the trade, I think the combination of Frank, DSJ, and a single 2nd rounder gets it done. While JJ is well-respected for what he’s capable of doing, he is 36 years old and struggling mightily this year. His scoring average is down to a low he hasn’t seen since the 2008-2009 season, and his 3-point shooting percentage is much lower than it’s ever been.

I think this has more to do with his involvement and need on the offense or lack thereof, more so than his ability declining. He’s only two seasons removed from the highest scoring average of his career with Philadelphia at 18 points per game while shooting 40% from deep on eight attempts per.

While he is averaging over 20 minutes a night, his game usage has dropped substantially in favor of the other young developing stars on the Pelicans. I think a change of scenery on a team that needs what he does more than New Orleans currently does could help invigorate JJ and bring him back to his old self.

I’m sorry to the Frank stans out there, but unless he shows way more of what he’d been able to do in small doses this season, it may just be the end of the road for his Knicks career. Swapping the rights to match any offer Frank gets in the offseason plus a 2nd rounder may just be enough to pry the struggling vet away from the Pels.

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