Knicks: A comprehensive breakdown of the first 30 games

Knicks: Trade deadline rumors

SNY’s Ian Begley recently reported that the Knicks may not be so keen to include a big package of assets and young players in a trade for stars like Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, or Victor Oladipo. Rather, as Begley surmised, the Knicks may look to acquire “under-the-radar” players like Terry Rozier, Lonzo Ball, or Buddy Hield. For my money, Hield would be the most interesting target. The former Oklahoma standout, who is having a down year, has two years and close to $40 million left on his contract, which gives the Knicks a true chance to see how he fits with Barrett, Robinson, Quickley, and maybe Julius Randle.

The remaining money and years on Hield’s contract also leaves enough flexibility to move him via trade. Yet it’s Hield’s skill set as an elite shooter off the dribble and from a set position that makes him the missing piece to this Knicks offense.

Hield is a career 40 percent shooter from three and averaged 19 and 20 points per game during his previous two seasons. If you trade for Ball, you almost certainly have spent money this offseason to sign him as a restricted free agent, and with Rozier, I’m not as high on his fit with the current core of Knicks or his re-sell value if he doesn’t pan out in New York.

Knicks fans find themselves in an interesting position thirty games into the season. During a year where the pre-season vegas win total felt like a foreshadowing of ping pong balls and tankathon lottery simulations, fans are now in the midst of a playoff chase. And despite the excitement, the sample size of a Thibodeau coached team is large enough to draw several conclusions. This defense is top-tier, and the players almost never sacrifice work ethic or playing hard. However, the offense does not look modern by NBA standards and the Knicks still need more shooting.

The next six games feature four home games including return matchups against the Warriors and Kings. Expect trade rumors to run rampant as we move close to the deadline in late March.