The Knicks inquired earlier this season on Wizards big man Daniel Gafford, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype told ESPN’s Bobby Marks in the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast.
While Scotto doesn’t say exactly when that inquiry occurred, it was presumably sometime after New York lost Mitchell Robinson to the left ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for most or all of the season. It seems safe to assume, Scotto continues, that whatever level of interest the Knicks had in Gafford decreased after the club acquired Precious Achiuwa from Toronto in the OG Anunoby deal.
Here are a few more items of interest from the HoopsHype podcast:
- The Mavericks are interested in upgrading at the forward position, according to Scotto, who suggests the team would be looking at either the three or the four. Scotto’s comment on the Mavs came during a more general conversation about Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant as a potential trade candidate — while Scotto views Dallas as a fit for Grant, he doesn’t explicitly say that the Mavs have expressed interest.
- The Nets and Spencer Dinwiddie, who is on track for unrestricted free agency this summer, had brief extension discussions prior to the season when he became eligible to sign a new deal, per Scotto. The two sides reportedly explored a one- or two-year deal, but Dinwiddie wanted something longer. During their discussion, Scotto and Marks wondered if Dinwiddie’s days in Brooklyn may be numbered, which is a topic that Collin Helwig of NetsDaily also explored after the veteran guard didn’t play in crunch time on Sunday and barely saw any action in the second half on Thursday.
- The trade speculation about Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen earlier this season seemed more like something other teams were trying to speak into existence rather than anything real, says Scotto, adding that Markkanen will be eligible for a contract renegotiation and extension with Utah next summer and seems interested in pursuing that.
Gafford should have an active market, Id still probably hold tho as Wiz need some stability more than a faux first
Gafford is a solid addition as a big. Just wonder what the price would be.
If Knicks don’t go after the big trade by TD. And these rumors of Brogdon, Clarkson, Rozier, Burkes are true. I’d sure wouldn’t mind Rozier or Dinwiddie. Both add veteran leadership and game. And can stabilize the second unit. But if you go in this direction. Then imo you have to add a center too. Now you have the depth to compete with anyone.
But Dallas has Grant Williams and he’s so awesome. Sure he can’t rebound, handle the ball, or score off the dribble. But he’s awesome.
Gifford is nice, but I don’t like his contract for this Knicks team. The only non-expiring deals I’d look to add if I were them would Dejounte Murray and/or (the apparently unavailable, but I cant imagine there’s NO deal to be made for this team) Portland’s Jerami Grant/Matteus Thybulle.
All 3 are 2 way players whom probably wouldn’t get buried by Thibs. They can all hit the 3 (Murray has been way better the last 2 seasons), and Thybulle is really just someone I’d be hounding Portland for.
Former all NBA defensive player, who always at worst is in consideration, and can hit thr 3. Best of all about him, if u really know his career, he adds 2 HIGHLY coveted defensive talents.
1st is well documented success guarding and heavily disrupting opponents’ STAR player, and I emphasize star cuz it includes HOFers like Steph.
And the other is something I cannot believe isn’t near the top of everyone’s defensive “must haves,” and that’s defending the 3pt shot— WITHOUT causing the 3pt play. Or put another way, u see guys running&jumping out at 3pt shot, but u know it’s halfarssed OR will result in 4pt play. But Thybulle actually has a unique way of going 100% and not fouling. He alone helps an entire team slow down or even neutralize opponents’ 3pt prowess; HUGE in today’s game.
Add in an affordable, multi year deal and his value is the absolute epitome of “doesn’t show up on the box score” (I mean it DOES,but U gotta look for it cuz its not on traditional/common box stats. Doesn’t mean it’s not insanely effective & valuable)
Gafford*
1st time posting, looks like I may have replied directly to you. Meant it for a general comment. Apologies if it comes off like I’m trying to solely talk at you and come off like I’m being a pompous know-it-all trying to crack eggs of knowledge all up in here