The Knicks have inquired about Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, an NBA source tells Marc Berman of The New York Post. However, Brooklyn asked for a first-round pick in exchange for the Hollis-Jefferson, and with the Knicks likely headed for the lottery, that pick is “virtually untouchable.”
In addition to wanting to hang onto that first-rounder, the Knicks’ front office is “vehemently opposed” to taking on any more bad contracts, writes Berman. I imagine the only exception would be if another team was willing to take on Joakim Noah‘s deal — in that scenario, the Knicks may be open to absorbing an unwanted contract that perhaps isn’t quite as bad as Noah’s.
While New York is receiving more calls about Willy Hernangomez than any other player, sources suggest to Berman that Kyle O’Quinn and Courtney Lee are more likely to be dealt. Lee, in particular, has generated increasing interest recently, though Berman says that the Knicks won’t move him unless they get “significant value” in return.
Here’s more out of New York:
- Most opposing executives and scouts surveyed by Fred Kerber of The New York Post believe that the Knicks should approach the deadline as sellers, looking to collect more assets. However, that view wasn’t unanimous — one opposing team official advocated for an attempt at a playoff push, though he cautioned that the Knicks shouldn’t move their first-round pick “under any circumstance.”
- Al Iannazzone of Newsday takes a closer look at the Knicks’ prime trade candidates, with the deadline fast approaching.
- The Knicks have been reluctant to send lottery pick Frank Ntilikina to the G League to get him extra work, but playing with the Westchester Knicks is paying off for fellow rookie Damyean Dotson, Berman writes in an article for The New York Post.