Just like what it has been for the last decade or so, the New York Knicks are in need of talent to bolster their squad. Outside of stretch four Kristaps Porzingis and maybe guard Tim Hardaway Jr., who’s improving but unfortunately can’t keep himself healthy, the team pretty much has zero firepower.
The NBA's Feb. 8 trade deadline is creeping up, and the Knicks are like everybody else: eager to do some wheeling and dealing. Marc Berman of the New York Post got some scoop about the team's current target:
One NBA source said the Knicks inquired about the Nets’ 23-year-old defensive forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, but Brooklyn asked for a first-rounder. That the Knicks’ pick is looking more like a lottery selection makes it virtually untouchable.
According to sources, Kyle O’Quinn and Courtney Lee are the likeliest to go, even if the most inquiries the Knicks have received have been about center Willy Hernangomez, as The Post first reported. Trading O’Quinn opens the door for Hernagomez, 23, to play.
The Nets' Hollis-Jefferson has raised his game this season, averaging career-highs of 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 47.2 percent shooting, all of which are career-highs. He's still ways away from being a threat in the league, but basing it on his defense-focused style and hard-nosed approach on offense, he appears to be built like a classic Knickerbocker. Should a deal pull through, it will also be interesting to see how well he can mesh with Porzingis and Hardaway.
The Knicks have lost 14 of their last 19 games after a respectable 17-14 start. They are now 22-28, only good for 10th in the Eastern Conference standings.
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