New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has made a verdict on Kemba Walker's standing with the team. Thibs admitted that Walker will be racking up DNP's for the time being. It's worth wondering if the former All-NBA point guard is still going to be a part of New York's plans or rejoin Thibs' rotation this season. But based on the situation right now, it's looking like Walker's days with the Knicks may be over. Though he's seen a massive decline this season, the 31-year old could still provide some value as perhaps a playmaker and scorer off the bench for a championship hopeful.

The Knicks would certainly want to extract whatever value they can from Walker, being an Eastern Conference playoff team themselves. It would be in New York's best interests to still get the best return if they do intend to make 6-foot guard available via trade. The Knicks should be careful in how to handle this situation, however, as they wouldn't want to tank Kemba Walker's value too much. His days as an All-Star may be over, but he could still net them a player that could help New York's playoff chances this season. With that said, let's take a look at the best Kemba Walker trade the Knicks can make.

Best Kemba Walker trade Knicks must make

With this trade, the Knicks will trade Walker along with Kevin Knox to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Eric Bledsoe. The Clippers could also send one of their future second round picks to even out the deal.

This trade benefits both sides. For the Clippers, Walker will get the chance to be a lead ball handler for a team that is missing its best player in Kawhi Leonard. He won't replace Leonard's production, but the former UConn Husky will at least ease the load off of Paul George on offense.

Though he has struggled on offense to start the season, the four-time All-Star is still capable of putting up points on the board and creating plays for his teammates. He could serve as a viable no. 2 option behind Paul George for the time being while Leonard recovers from his torn ACL. Moreover, Kemba Walker, who is shooting 41.3 percent from long distance this season, provides more floor spacing than Bledsoe. In addition, they also acquire a young wing in Knox, who may just need a change of scenery to get his career back on track.

For the Knicks, acquiring a more defense-oriented guard like Bledsoe would address New York's drop defensively this season. The primary reason why Thibodeau chose to bench the New York native in the first place is because he has become a liability on the defensive end. After finishing with a top-four defense in 2020-21, the Knicks are just a middle of the pack defensive team this year. Thibs must be sweating at the thought of his squad not being a good defensive team.

Though he has his limitations offensively, especially as a shooter, Bledsoe is a dog on the defensive end of the floor. The Kemba Walker-Evan Fournier tandem was a nightmare defensively for the Knicks. Bledsoe's defensive presence on the perimeter at least helps balances out Fournier, who has also contributed to New York's struggles on defense this year.