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Knicks’ lone draft pick in past 2 years leaves New York in G League trade

By Jordanna Clark

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Executive Vice President and Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley and President Leon Rose of the New York Knicks look on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Executive Vice President and Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley and President Leon Rose of the New York Knicks look on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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A little over a year after it began, the Trevor Keels era has ended. The 20-year-old was the only player the New York Knicks walked away with after a wild 2022 NBA Draft night.

As suspected, Keels spent most of his rookie two-way season in Westchester, averaging 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Keels appeared in only three games for the Knicks, averaging 2.7 minutes. As much as Knicks fans were rooting for Keels to grow within the organization, his journey was doomed from the start.

After finishing his first year at Duke, he was on the fence about declaring for the draft and ultimately decided to do so. In retrospect, Keels should’ve remained a Blue Devil for at least another season so that he could’ve worked on a few issues, including his shooting and consistency.

When it was the Knicks’ turn to select the No. 42 pick in 2022, they saw enough in Keels to take him under their wing. Now, he’s on his way out of New York after Westchester included his rights in a G League trade.

Knicks’ 2022 second-round pick Trevor Keels traded in G League deal

Trevor Keels’ future was written on the wall. The new CBA allowing teams to carry three two-way players on their rosters instead of two wasn’t enough for Keels to earn another two-way spot in 2023-24. He was waived to make room for Dylan Windler, a former first-round pick with the Cavaliers.

Keels is en route to Iowa, where he’ll play for the Timberwolves’ G League affiliate. The player Westchester is getting in return is Matt Lewis, a 24-year-old guard who went undrafted in 2021.

Lewis played for the Nets in Summer League this past year and averaged 11.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 54.1% from the field and 45.8% from three. Knicks fans should make a point to make the trek to Westchester to watch Lewis and the rest of the squad play this season.

As for Trevor Keels, hopefully, he’ll be able to find his footing within Minnesota’s organization.

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