It’s that time of year again! The approaching NBA trade deadline signals the beginning of a longstanding tradition for fans of the New York Knicks: daydreaming about a blockbuster transition!
The trade buzz is even more prominent due to the Knicks’ solid start to the season. The club currently sits seventh in the East with a 22-19 record. A combination of resurgence by star Julius Randle, great play by newcomer Jalen Brunson, and a recommitment to defensive excellence has New York poised for another postseason push. This is music to the ears of faithful Knicks fans!
Who should Knicks be targeting ahead of Feb. 9 trade deadline?
However, the franchise still has obvious weaknesses. New York ranks in the middle of the pack in scoring (at 114 points per game which places them at 15th in the league) and three-point makes (11.9 per game for 16th in the league). They are also a sub-par 26th in the league in team three-point percentage at 33.9%.
Their defense, which has been the club’s source of identity under head coach Tom Thibodeau, has excelled ranking in the top ten at 111.3 points per game allowed. While this mark is solid, a few defensive-minded additions could provide a further boost to this established strength.
This places New York in a position where many across the league find themselves: seeking solid 3-and-D players. Thankfully, a recent Bleacher Report article offers three realistic suggestions for adding this type of player. Here’s some helpful analysis on each of these options, ranked from worst to best.