New York Knicks: 3 Reasons a big trade isn’t happening anytime soon
By Adam Kester
New York Knicks: There aren’t many big names available
We don’t always have a great idea of who is “available” over the course of the season but we can sometimes piece things together.
Really, the one name we can be 100% sure is at least being shopped is Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons is the name to watch around the league because of the known frustrations and the fact that he hasn’t suited up once for the team so far this year.
Where do the Knicks fit in?
There was a report a few weeks back that the New York Knicks were one of many teams to call and inquire about Simmons. The report read as anywhere from general interest to Simmons due diligence.
Really though, how are the Knicks and 76ers even compatible trade partners? The Sixers would want someone who is a least near Simmons level, which the Knicks only really have in Julius Randle.
Then you get to the other big names.
Damian Lillard is the dream player that always gets floated, and yet, I have never heard a player dispel rumors quite as much as Lillard himself.
There has never been any desire to leave in Lillard’s camp, but rather, general dysfunction within Portland that leads to hypotheticals about Lillard being potentially traded.
The only other name that has come up has been Myles Turner, who seems to be unhappy in Indiana.
Turner mock trades have been solid and slightly more realistic than others, as trading Turner would likely mean the Pacers want to rebuild/retool and would require talented young players in return, which the Knicks have.
Still, Turner would cost the Knicks some picks and a few of their dynamic young player, and I am not sure Turner is the player they want to make a big move for.
Imagine a world where the Knicks have Myles Turner. Ok… have they made some sort of jump now with him on the roster? I’m not sure trading a chunk of their assets really does much for the team’s outlook.
I’m not so sure the big name is out there.