NY Knicks: 3 Centers the team should trade for at Thursday’s Deadline

Would Daniel Theis be a good fit on the NY Knicks?

Daniel Theis is the player I’m most interested in when discussing stretch-5’s.

The Houston Rockets have essentially refused to play Theis this season, despite making him a priority in 2021 free agency, since the franchise quickly noticed they were much better starting Christian Wood at center.

Regardless of who has played for Houston this year, they are one of the worst teams in basketball, currently 15th in the West with the league’s third-worst record at 15-37.

A veteran like Theis simply has no place on this rebuilding team, so Houston would be wise to gain something of value for him at the deadline.

This is where New York comes in.

It wouldn’t make sense for the Knicks to part with any of their young players while dealing for Theis, meaning a player and a second-round pick would be both a package New York would offer and one that the Rockets should be interested in.

Like with a Lopez deal, Noel should be the player Houston adds. Theis’ contract pays him about $1 million less in salary than Noel and has a club option for 2024.

Sure, it is more long-term than the deal NY has currently with Noel, but both contracts are extremely movable in any scenario where the Knicks need more cap room.

In his time with the Boston Celtics last season, Theis shot 34.7% on 2.3 attempts from three across 42 games. He’s a career 32.7% three-point shooter.

Theis is a good defensive player despite being a little small for a center.

I like this move the best because Theis will do everything the Knicks would need from him.

But with Theis, they can save a bit of cash and spread the floor much more than they currently can.