NY Knicks: B/R keeps linking Collin Sexton as possible trade target
By Mark Nilon
The NY Knicks will certainly be one of the most buzzed-about teams in the association this offseason after having themselves a surprisingly stupendous campaign in 2020-21.
Winning 41 games, nabbing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference Standings, and earning their first playoff berth since 2013 has the Knickerbockers once again relevant and, this summer, Leon Rose and co. will look to capitalize on these successes by bolstering their roster to better compliment Most Improved Player, Julius Randle, and Coach of the Year, Tom Thibodeau.
Over the past several weeks, many rumblings have surfaced pertaining to what the front office could look to do to build off their recent run, and, naturally, we at DK have gone about and put our own thoughts into the atmosphere, discussing potential free agent signings, draft selections and, perhaps the most entertaining topic, trade targets.
Would you want the NY Knicks to acquire Collin Sexton this offseason?
Recently, Bleacher Report chimed in and discussed who could be viewed as a “surprise” trade target for the NY Knicks and, in an unsurprising fashion considering just how often he’s been linked to the franchise of late, writer Grant Hughes listed estranged Cleveland Cavaliers guard, Collin Sexton, as a player that could be on New York’s radar.
Citing the team’s need for an up-tempo playmaker and, frankly, an upgrade at the point guard position, B/R believes that the 22-year-old could be an ideal acquisition for this rejuvenated squad:
"The New York Knicks ranked 30th in fast-break points per game and 29th in transition frequency last season, so their surprising trade target has to be someone known for upping the tempo when he’s on the floor.Most of the players who pile up points on the break are high-priced stars; Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker make up the top three (among qualified players) in 2020-21 fast-break points per game. But down a bit lower on the list, yet still in the top 10, is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton.If the Knicks install Immanuel Quickley as the replacement starter for Elfrid Payton and bring back Derrick Rose to lead the second unit, Sexton would be a natural fit alongside either point guard. In addition to more points on the break, New York could use a “get your own” scorer to find them buckets when plays break down. We saw in the playoffs how Julius Randle was in over his head as the lone high-volume scorer in that role.New York is first going to use its considerable cap space to fill voids on the roster, but if Cleveland selects another ball-handling guard in the draft, Sexton could be gettable in a trade."
Despite the lack of success for the Cavs, Sexton actually found himself having quite an impressive campaign, as the third-year pro posted per-game averages of 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and a steal on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.
Seeing the young guard linked to the NY Knicks is nothing new to fans of the organization, as this has been the case for several months now.
Many of us here at DK are open to the idea of seeing a trade for Sexton take place, with some even going as far as to say such a move should be an offseason priority.
Only time will tell whether or not the front office has the same interest in the talented youngster as fans seemingly do so, in the meantime, Collin Sexton to New York will continue to remain just a fun hypothetical to ponder on.