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Should the Knicks gamble on a trade for point guard Coby White?

By Kramer Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 07: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 7, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 121-106. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 07: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 7, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 121-106. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Alec Burks
Alec Burks, New York Knicks. (Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports) /

Trade Scenario #1: The Knicks make a safe trade back

New York currently holds the 11th pick in this year’s draft and Chicago is not far behind that at 18. The Knicks are in a tough spot at 11, as unless there is truly a player they covet, they fall out of most likely landing a first season instant difference-maker. The team has made it clear that they hope to remain fighting for contention and have proven they are dangerously close to reaching that point.

White got virtually swallowed by the Bulls’ depth last season, as additions of starters Ball, LaVine, and DeRozan essentially ensured that he would primarily be a bench option. Additions of Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu furthered his path to playing time as he found himself in a carousel of guard options.

Despite this, White managed to average 12.7 points and 2.9 assists as a bottom-tier option on the loaded Chicago playoff squad. In the season prior, White averaged 15.1 points and 4.8 assists when being utilized more frequently and consistently in the offense.

The first scenario that could occur here is a trade back for New York. Let’s assume the Knicks are not sold on anyone fully at 11, and rather than take another gamble in the draft, they would love to hopefully ensure they have an opening day starter at their most needy position.

The Bulls, on the other hand, have too many guards on their roster and need to shake something up before entering next season. New York could attach their 11th overall pick with a veteran talent to aid the contending Chicago team, such as Alec Burks, in return for White and the 18th overall pick.

This trade scenario favors White as a greater asset than who the Knicks would hypothetically land at 11 while maintaining some stock in the draft for further trades if they are so inclined.

White’s current value is truly hard to determine, but trading up seven spots in the draft while acquiring one of the NBA’s best journeyman veterans might be a low risk that the Bulls are eager to make.

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