3 players Knicks can trade for to help bolster bench ahead of deadline
In the Knicks’ most recent games, the bench has struggled, making it clear that some upgrades need to be made as players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Miles McBride, and Derrick Rose have all been disappointing in their own ways.
While the Knicks have been winning the majority of their games as of late, this does not excuse the struggles of the bench squad. Even in the Knicks’ two recent blowout wins versus the Suns and Rockets, the bench didn’t perform that well.
Personally, I’d rather hold onto players like McBride, as he is still young and full of potential, but others such as Hartenstein, Rose, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish should all be traded away for more consistent or just simply better role players.
New York’s bench will be receiving a boost when the team gets RJ Barrett back, but changes still need to be made in order to make the Knicks better.
3 players the Knicks can trade for to help bolster their bench
1: SF Taurean Prince, Minnesota Timberwolves
With the Minnesota Timberwolves having a disappointing first half of the season, they will likely look to make some moves to shake up the roster. If that is the case, there is a good chance they will try to offload 3-and-D wing Taurean Prince.
Prince has always been one of the more solid role players in the NBA, and on the Knicks, he could play a real role on a team that is looking to make the playoffs.
Through 21 games played, Prince is averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field and 39.1% from three on 3.3 attempts per game. While these numbers seem low, it is because Prince is only receiving about 19.6 minutes per game.
Prince isn’t the kind of player you give 30 minutes a game to, but considering the production he provides in the limited minutes he is given, the Knicks potentially bringing him in could be a game-changer.
He is not only a very solid all-around offensive player, but he is a rather versatile defender, the kind that would fit tremendously on a Tom Thibodeau coached team. Not only does Prince would provide some versatility to a bench that desperately needs it, but it is likely that he wouldn’t cost that much.
The only thing that would hinder a trade like this is that the Knicks would likely have to open up the rotation to 10, which may not be the worst idea, but I’d completely understand if Thibs keeps rolling with nine guys in the lineup.