3 Players the Knicks could realistically pursue in an Evan Fournier trade
By Mark Nilon
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2023 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2023 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/76b5dfd2dd00fe963e09fed44991d87752ed4ddc13c70c0fef8fe3aca77a1740.jpg)
3. Buddy Hield
The Knicks are by no means the lone team who is having problems with a high-priced sharpshooting wing, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania recently reported that the Indiana Pacers and Buddy Hield are discussing trade options (subscription required) after their latest talks of a contract extension went south.
A player who has been linked as an intriguing target for New York to consider in the past, one solution for both ball clubs could be to simply swap their disgruntled snipers for one another.
Buddy Hield with a big night.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 12, 2023
31 PTS (season high)
7 3PM
8 REB#NBAAllStar | https://t.co/T6jmxAY3iX pic.twitter.com/8oz9Tq2Rxv
Coming off a tremendous 2022-23 campaign, Hield wrapped up his first full season in Indiana boasting impressive averages of 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 42.5 percent shooting from deep whilst predominantly playing small forward.
Adding someone of his abilities could go on to help boost their shooting efficiency and, presumably, improve their bench-scoring woes, as the Knicks ranked 20 and 26, respectively, in both categories last year.
Even if he were to be just a mere one-year rental (his current deal comes to an end at the conclusion of this season), swapping the estranged Fournier for the more offensively gifted and rotationally diverse Hield could be a move worthy of strong consideration.