The New York Knicks need to make most out of their tradable assets, whether they are in a win-now mode or decide to tank.
This is the time of the year when trade winds are starting to swirl through the NBA.Kyle Korver has already been dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers. There are many other front offices around the league looking to improve their team’s situation. The New York Knicks are no different.
New York is currently in a win-now mode. The problem is that they have not been winning. The Knicks have lost 12 of their last 15 games. That includes nine of their last ten games.
Trades will be needed whether they stay in a win-now mode or decide that tanking is the best option. New York does not have many assets to work with right now. The ones that they do have though could garner a decent return in the right deal. Let us take a look at the best and worst-case scenarios for each of the New York Knicks tradable assets.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas
The first asset on the list has used his short time in New York to become a fan favorite. Mindaugas Kuzminskas is a 27-year-old rookie out of Lithuania. Every time that Kuzminskas brings his boyish young looks and sweet shooting stroke on to the court, the Garden faithful fill the arena with chants of “Kooz.”
In 33 games this season, Kuzminskas is shooting 45 percent from the floor. He is also knocking down 38.7 percent from behind the three-point arch. He is averaging 5.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in only 12.0 minutes per game. His per 36 minutes stats are even more impressive. With more playing time, he would be averaging 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
The one downfall is Kuzminskas’ age. Being a 27-year-old rookie provides a lower ceiling then another rookie may have. This is one reason that New York may not receive as high of a return as they may want.
Best Case: 1st round draft pick
Worst Case: Tony Allen
Kyle O’Quinn
The next player on this list is probably the most realistic asset to be traded. Kyle O’Quinn is having his best season as a professional this year. His 6.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 56.3 field goal percentage this season are career highs. O’Quinn is doing this only playing 15.5 minutes per game. Thursday night he posted 12 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season.
The 6-10, 250-pound big man has one of the best value contracts in the league. He is in the second year of a four-year, 16 million dollar deal. The energy and hustle that O’Quinn provides would be a welcomed addition to any playoff bound team. His team friendly contract could make the risk worth a first-round draft pick.
There is not a downfall for a team trading for O’Quinn. The issue will be whether New York is willing to part with one of their few assets. For the right price, it would be hard not to pull the trigger.
Best Case: First-round draft pick
Worst Case: Thabo Sefolosha
Derrick Rose
The last two players on this list will only be on the trading block if the Knicks decide that a full rebuild is what is best for the organization. Derrick Rose is in the final year of his contract and looking to get paid. Reports have come out that he will seek out a five-year, 150 million dollar contract in the off season. The only way to offer him that is to own his rights when the season ends.
Rose has played in 35 games this season. He has missed four games due to injury and one where he pulled a no-call no-show earlier this week. The 6-3, 190-pound point guard is averaging 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 31.9 minutes per game. He is averaging a career low with 2.4 turnovers. His 24.5 three-point percentage is the lowest of his career since his rookie season.
There is no guarantee that Rose would re-sign with the team that trades for his services. He has a history of being injured and not being the toughest mentally. Some teams may not want to pull the trigger for a rental with baggage. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks or Utah Jazz may feel he is the piece to put them over the top.
Best Case: First-round draft pick
Worst Case: Knicks re-sign him for a max contract
Carmelo Anthony
The last asset on this list is probably the most obvious one if New York decides to blow up the roster. The problem is that one person in the equation holds all of the power. This individual is Carmelo Anthony. The former scoring champion has a no-trade clause in his contract. In his 14th season, he is not going to waive it just to go to any old team.
Anthony is averaging 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 33.4 minutes per game this season. His 42.5 field goal percentage is the lowest in his career. The good news is that his 35.0 three-point percentage is the highest it has been in the last three seasons. The nine-time all-star is still one of the most dangerous scorers in the game.
The New York Knicks are 18-22. They have lost eight of their last ten games. Anthony will have a difficult decision if their slide continues. If it does, then it would be in the best interest for all parties to move on. The Knicks can do a proper rebuild. Anthony can go after the elusive ring. The Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Clippers acquire what may be the missing piece.