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The New York Knicks have had an interesting season, to say the least. Currently, the team is 7-16 as they enter the month of December. Despite a poor record, the team is actually not too far from their record last year entering December (11-10).
New York entered this season with a new head coach in David Fizdale. The franchise also drafted Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson in the 2018 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, the Knicks will most likely be without Kristaps Porzingis this season. Porzingis tore his ACL last season and is currently rehabbing his knee.
Despite a 7-16 record, the Knicks have gotten huge contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter. Hardaway Jr. is currently leading the team in scoring at 22.2 points per game. Kanter is averaging a double-double with 15.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
Another surprising factor is the emergence of Allonzo Trier, who is an undrafted rookie out of Arizona. Trier is currently averaging a solid stat line of 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 45 percent from three. Fizdale has done an awesome job getting his team to compete every night no matter who is in the lineup.
Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay and Mario Hezonja have improved under the tutelage of Fizdale. Even with the odds stacked against the Knicks they still manage to compete daily. But one thing for sure is that Knicks General Manager Scott Perry needs to acquire a big name in a trade or free agency.
Roughly two weeks ago ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Washington Wizards were open to trade talks and that all players on their roster are available. One player that the Knicks need to consider pursuing in a trade is John Wall.
Free Agency: The Domino Effect
The New York Knicks need to make a splash in free agency or by trade. New York has not signed or acquired a big name free agent since 2011 when they traded for Carmelo Anthony.
Prior to trading for Anthony in 2011, the team signed Amar'e Stoudemire (2010). The fact is that GM Perry needs to set the precedent for this summer's free agency. Trading for Wall will create a domino effect which will entice other players to sign with the Knicks.
Acquiring Wall in a trade will help this team add a franchise-caliber player to their roster. Wall would be a solid addition despite the current narrative that he may be hindering the Wizards. Throughout the season the idea of Kevin Durant joining the Knicks in the summer of 2019 has been floating around. Trading for Wall could make this a reality.
If Wall is added to the Knicks they will be able to bolster their pitch to free agents. Sadly pitching the city of New York and free screenings to Spike Lee's movies is not enough. The Knicks have plenty of trade incentives to help push this trade through.
Washington could ask for Frank Ntilikina, Hardaway Jr., Kanter and Mudiay to replace their vacancy at guard. The fact that Phil Jackson is gone, Fizdale is a solid coach and that Porzingis is still on the roster are variables to pitch to free agents (in addition to Wall).
All-Star Point Guard in the Big Apple
By trading for Wall the Knicks will secure their franchise player and point guard of the future. Yes, he is about to enter the beginning of his super-max contract. But this should not be an issue for the Knicks considering they can afford this.
If the Knicks move Hardaway Jr.'s contract they can still sign another big name free agent. Not to mention if the Wizards trade Wall after his new deal starts they will owe him 15 percent of his contract, per ESPN's Zach Lowe.
General manager Perry needs to strongly consider picking up the phone to push this trade through. The Knicks have not been in the playoffs since the 2012-13 season. Knicks fans are begging for a return to the playoffs and trading for Wall will help this franchise return to the postseason.
Wall is currently averaging 21 points, 8.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. One knock on the All-Stars game is that he is inconsistent from behind the arc. However, he has the ability to become a solid three-point shooter. Last season the former Kentucky guard shot 37.1 percent from three.
The 28-year-old guard will help this franchise fill the stands in Madison Square Garden. Not to mention he has been to the playoffs four times in his eight-year career. This season's Knicks team desperately needs leadership in order to help create a winning pedigree.
Spread the Wealth
Last season Wall had surgery on his knee which caused him to miss 6-8 weeks. During that stretch, the Wizards held their own and shocked the world. Unfortunately, the team's success without their star guard caused people to question if the team was better without him.
Obviously, the Wizards are not better without Wall, but it displayed how ball dominant the guard is. Not to mention that there may be a possible issue with Wizards' head coach Scott Brooks play calling. Needless to say, Wall is a versatile point guard who is an outstanding passer.
A nickname the guard acquired along the way is Optimus Dime. Acquiring Wall will help Fizdale out tremendously and it will allow him to have a solid floor general. No disrespect to Burke, Mudiay and Ntilikina who are solid point guards in their own right.
Wall Increases Ball Movement
Wall is currently averaging 8.1 assists per game which is .1 less then Burke, Mudiay and Ntilikina assist average combined. Right now, the Knicks are 30th (last) in the league in assist per game. Often times New York plays a lot of isolation ball which has been a blessing and a curse.
Bringing in the five-time All-Star will help this team spread the ball around. He will also make sure that the team runs their offense, continue to run the break and play defense. Lastly playing under Fizdale will elevate his game to the next level.
Remember Fizdale was the assistant coach on the Miami Heat during their championship years and he helped LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh mesh together.
All in all the Knicks front office needs to consider trading for Wall as the Wizards continue to lose. Yes, the financial side may be steep but in return, you will get an All-Star, solid playmaker and a franchise player. Once Porzingis returns him and Wall could utilize the pick & roll because of their ability to attack the rim and make plays for others.
Porzingis will not see as many double teams because of Wall's ability to break down the defense. Although Porzingis played with Melo the two didn't really mesh. Melo overshadowed him and often times ruined his rhythm. The addition of Wall will allow Porzingis to stay in his true position.
All stats for this article are from stats.nba.com /espn.com.
