New York Knicks: Four pass-first point guards to target via Trade

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 02: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Ricky Rubio #11 of the Phoenix Suns during their game at Spectrum Center on December 02, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 02: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Ricky Rubio #11 of the Phoenix Suns during their game at Spectrum Center on December 02, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 09: Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets controls the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 09: Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets controls the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

NY Knicks target: Devonte Graham

Devonte Graham is the first player on this list whose primary skill is something other than passing. The 2018 second-round pick had a breakout season during his sophomore campaign in Charlotte. He posted 18.2 points per game on 37% from three. Despite his reputation as more of a combo guard. Graham also chipped in a respectable 7.5 assists that season.

However, his performance has dropped off considerably this year. His points-per-game is down to 13.5 and his assists numbers have fallen to a (still solid) 5.7.

Part of this decline can be attributed to the presence of star rookie LaMelo Ball, who has taken over the majority of the ball-handling duties. However, Graham has still averaged 32 minutes per game (with 35 coming during his best season).

While the two aforenoted targets as a more natural fit for the Knicks, he would be a good backup option. He also becomes more appealing when one considers his price tag. Recent speculation has Graham’s price tag somewhere in the range of the Knicks’ latter first-round pick that was acquired from Dallas in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. His statistical drop should result in an even cheaper cost.

At just 26-years-old, Graham could be a sneaky good fit with the Knicks.

NY Knicks target: Kyle Anderson

Here’s a fourth wild-card option that Knicks could consider trading for at the deadline. While the 6’9” forward does not fit the same point guard mold as every other player on this list, he could be a low-cost option to help New York improve their ball movement.

The veteran is averaging a career-high 3.4 assists per game this season. Despite his larger frame, he is a very skilled ball handler and passer for his position. His basketball IQ is also sky-high.

He is a solid passer, scorer, shooter, and defender who could slot in at multiple positions and give a boost to New York’s offensive efficiency.

Who would you like to see the Knicks target during the NBA trade deadline?

4 Players the Knicks could sign if bought out. dark. Next