Trade Kyle O’Quinn to the Boston Celtics 

Big man Kyle O’Quinn has been a more than a serviceable player for the Knicks. O’Quinn has played the role of backup center and has also gone into the starting lineup at times when injuries have presented themselves to Joakim Noah. Averaging 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game, O’Quinn has been the Knicks best true all around big man; however, with that in consideration, he’s the Knicks best trade chip.

In addition to his two-way play, Kyle O’Quinn is on a very team friendly deal. In the 2015 offseason, he signed a four-year deal, with an opt out after year three worth roughly four million a season. That contract is a bargain for both the Knicks and any team looking to acquire him. A team looking to acquire him would likely be a contender given that he’d be on their roster both this year and next year. One team that makes a lot of sense for O’Quinn is the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics, led by point guard Isaiah Thomas and center Al Horford, have been phenomenal this year. Recording a 37-20 record in the first half of the season, the Celtics are the two seed in the Eastern Conference, just three games behind the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. One thing Boston lacks though is toughness. While Horford and big man Amir Johnson are good defenders, neither player is a tough as nails, no nonsense player. O’Quinn is.

If acquired, O’Quinn could come off the bench and be a force both offensively and defensively for the Celtics. He’d also provide a harsh and gritty presence, which is something the Celtics could use.

In a deal for O’Quinn, the Celtics could send over forward Jonas Jerebko to help match salaries and one of their 2019 first picks, as well as a 2018 second round pick. Such a deal gives the Knicks even more future draft picks. Also, considering the excess of big men on their roster, the Knicks are going to have to eventually deal away one of their bigs and O’Quinn has a lot of trade value, given his skill set and team friendly deal.

While trading away, O’Quinn would be a tough pill to swallow, given his energy and presence night in and night, no move will be harder to make than trading Carmelo Anthony.