The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.
Earlier today, the New York Knicks agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal will see Kristaps Porzingis exit the team alongside Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. in return for Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., and DeAndre Jordan.
Despite the major trade, the Knicks are still likely to offload more players ahead of a major recruitment drive in the summer, and here are three of the individuals that could make way.
#3 Frank Ntilikina
Frank Ntilikina has shown plenty of promise since being selected by the Knicks as the eighth overall pick during the 2017 NBA draft, although the Frenchman is yet to establish himself as a regular starter. Ntilikina has started just sixteen times during the Knicks’ struggling season, and Steve Kyler is reporting that the 20-year-old could be traded in the next week:
During his time on the court this season, Ntilikina has managed 5.9 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, the addition of Dennis Smith Jr. will reduce the Frenchman’s minutes, and an immediate trade looks to be the best solution for both Ntilikina and the Knicks.
#2 Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter has struggled to break into the Knicks starting five all season long, and the Turkish center has featured just twice in the team’s last seven games. Due to this, Marc Stein from the New York Time is reporting that Kanter is available for trade:
Kanter has been with the Knicks since 2017, although the team clearly has no plans for the former OKC man. Despite playing limited minutes so far this season, Kanter has still managed to average a double-double, and the center would be a good addition to a playoff chasing team.
#1 Trey Burke
Throughout January, Trey Burke barely featured for the Knicks, although the 26-year-old made a spectator last week return as he dropped 25 points on the Nets. Nevertheless, the New York Post is reporting that the Knicks want to trade Burke, and the player himself would be happy to leave:
Burke has been with the Knicks for just over a year and is this season averaging 11.6 points and 2.9 assists per game. Burke will also become a free agent in the summer, so it makes sense for the Knicks to trade him ahead of the deadline.
0 votes
