The Knicks are sellers ahead of the February 8 trade deadline, Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News writes, with their eyes set on the 2019 free agent class rather than anything short-term. He broke down several players who could be shed in the team’s pursuit of draft assets and cap flexibility.
Bondy writes that the Knicks would love to deal Joakim Noah but, as has been discussed ad nauseam, such a deal isn’t likely to come to fruition. Neither, Bondy says, is a trade involving Enes Kanter, the 25-year-old whose comeback season and $18MM contract make him likely to remain in the Big Apple.
A more realistic bet to be traded is Willy Hernangomez, whose age, contract and potential would be more appealing than, say, Noah.
Other players like Courtney Lee and Michael Beasley are likely to remain with the Knicks, Bondy says — the former because he’s a consistent producer on the young squad and the latter because there hasn’t been much interest outside of the Knicks organization itself.
There’s more out of Brooklyn and New York this evening:
- The Nets won’t rule out dealing some of their veteran players, Brian Lewis of The New York Post writes, but general manager Sean Marks isn’t rushing out to unload them either. “At the end of the day, if we’ve invested a lot of sweat equity in guys, I’d like that to be fruitful for the Nets organization,” he said. Wings DeMarre Carroll and Joe Harris have been said to be viable assets as the deadline approaches.
- Injured Knicks guard Ron Baker will have to choose whether or not to undergo surgery on his shoulder, says Marc Berman of The New York Post. One specialist recommended such a procedure that would sideline Baker for three-to-six months.
- In case you hadn’t guessed by now, Joakim Noah and Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek “pretty much hate each other,” Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News tweets.
Knicks are one of the worst run NBA franchises over the last 20 years.
No.
They’re doing the right thing, refusing to include first round picks in any trade, selling and loading up for the future, drafted someone you can build your franchise around (Porzingis)
Knicks made the 1999 NBA Finals, before losing to the Spurs. How many NBA teams made the NBA Finals, in the last 20 years? That was a rhetorical question.
Knicks’ future is bright, than in years past. They don’t trade first round picks (Haven’t under Phil, and still don’t) Kristaps Porzingis, THJ, Hernangomez, all young — 25 or younger.
Being sellers at deadline is the right decision. NY doesn’t tank blatantly (but they should) this is a great first step.
No. They are one of the worst run organizations in the league.
And I’m a Knicks fan.
Ok so they’re one of the worst run franchises since 2000. I mean just because you make the Finals doesn’t make your franchise well run. The Cavs have made the Finals three straight years, but I don’t think many people would call them well run. There’s so much chaos going in within the organization (starting with Gilbert down to the front office/coaching staff down to the players) that they’re obviously not well run. The Knicks are in the same boat and it starts at the top, with James Dolan. They seem to be on the right path now, but that doesn’t wipe out the past 18 years of mediocrity and embarassment.
Everyone in this thread is 100% correct except Xabial…and I’m a Knicks fan too.
I would try to get something for THJ, although he does have a trade kicker. He’ll never be a quality starter; high end bench player (mid 20s in minutes) is where he tops out. No way it happens with Mills (Perry’s boss) having overpaid for him, after overpaying (paying is overpaying) for Baker.