How the New York Knicks can capitalize on the trade market to improve their shooting.
The New York Knicks are on a 3-game losing skid and my sports depression is at an all-time high because of it. It’s clear that even with a sometimes elite-level defense, New York’s offense can be shutdown to the point where they cannot keep themselves in games.
In 2021, no team should be so easily confused by zone defenses the way the Knicks have been. Even with Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton shooting far better than they have in their respective careers, it’s not enough to keep opponents honest or to create enough scoring lanes for RJ to slash his way to the hoop, causing him to have to shoot some of the most ill-advised mid-range jumpers I’ve seen.
Even with Kevin Knox looking better and better each game and shooting lights-out from deep, along with the shooting threats the Knicks have added in Immanuel Quickley, Alec Burks, and Austin Rivers, it doesn’t seem to have created enough spacing on the floor for the first or second units. Since the NBA has switched over to a shooters’ league, the demand for elite shooting threats is at an all-time high and the Knicks front office must make a move to improve in that area sooner than later.
I personally love the chemistry the Knicks are building even with them losing a few games in a row. Blowing up the team for a guy like Bradley Beal could easily backfire, and even Zach LaVine might require too many assets to bring to NYC. There’s a number of great shooters that I believe can be bought in at below market value if the Knicks capitalize on their recent struggles. I’m thinking if they keep getting shutdown by simple zone defenses for the next month, one of these trades could happen much earlier than we’d expect.
Here are 3 buy-low targets the Knicks should look into acquiring.
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.
Evan Fournier & 2021 2nd rounder for Kevin Knox, Elfrid Payton, Dennis Smith Jr, and Dallas’ 2023 1st round pick
Orlando should look to move on from Evan Fournier soon, as he’s in the last year of his $85 million, 5-year deal and looking for an extension that the Magic seem reluctant to give him.
Fournier is coming off his best season yet, averaging 18.5 points and 40% shooting from 3-point range. While these numbers are impressive, his output this season has taken a bit of a nosedive. He’s averaging under 15 points per game and his 3-point percentage has dipped down to below 35% on the new season. Recent reports have stated that Fournier wants out of Orlando, so this drop in production may be due to unhappiness with the organization. He would be a tremendous fit on the Knicks starting 5, and the trade would allow another great shooter in Immanuel Quickley to start and create that much more spacing for RJ and Randle to shine.
Losing Kevin Knox would hurt my soul, but with Orlando still waiting on Jonathan Isaac to return from his ACL tear late last season, adding another forward to rotate with James Ennis might be the “Magic” remedy. Additionally, with Markelle Fultz also going down to an ACL tear just a little while ago, Orlando could use a starting-caliber point guard, and who else would be better than former Magic first-round draft pick Elfrid Payton? Perhaps a return back to his roots where everything started could convince the Knicks guard to waive his No-Trade clause.
Last, but not least, DSJ is there for salary purposes and salary purposes only. I’m kind of done with the guy and wish him well, but not here with the Knicks any longer. Hopefully, he’s able to find success elsewhere but I’d rather his roster spot for someone who can add value to the Knicks roster this year.
Buddy Hield and Cory Joseph for Frank, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, Reggie Bullock and 1st round pick
Another Buddy Hield trade?!?! You betchya!
Love the guy, I can’t help it. Plus, he fits the criteria I’m aiming for in a great shooter who’s struggling and unhappy on his current team. While I may have overvalued Buddy Hield in past trade proposals I’ve written, I think he can be had for much less than before. I think if the Knicks take Cory Joseph’s ugly contract off the Kings’ hands, Buddy can be a Knick for just a couple of talented young players and one first-rounder.
Hield, similarly to the others on this list, is underperforming this year. While Redick is losing minutes and offensive opportunities in favor of the younger players on the Pelican’s roster, like Fournier, I think Buddy is just frustrated with the team and organization and wants out.
Buddy’s scoring average is down from almost 21 per game just two seasons ago to 14.7 over the first 11 games, even though he’s playing the most minutes per contest of his entire career. He’s also shooting more 3-pointers per game than he ever has, but his shooting percentage from deep is the lowest it’s ever been.
If that’s not enough proof that the man is unhappy, I don’t know what is. Even with Hield struggling, he’s still shooting at a 36% clip, which would become one of the best on our entire Knicks roster. If Buddy got his groove back and became the Buddy of old, we got ourselves a star for pennies on the dollar.