However, this report does suggest that New York does plan to remain active around the March 25th deadline, focusing more on complementary players than on a centerpiece.
The star-starved Knicks would receive a major jolt of energy from an All-Star acquisition. However, the team’s hot start and defensive identity could result in a postseason berth with a player like newly crowned All-Star Julius Randle serving as the team’s #1 option. There is good wisdom in saving future assets to build around a budding young roster in future seasons.
This strategy makes even more sense when one considers the Knicks’ biggest overall need. I recently wrote a piece explaining why New York’s biggest on-court issue is their lack of a pass-first ball handler.
While the recently acquired Derrick Rose gives the team a veteran leader and closing option, New York lacks a player with the passing ability to transform an offense full of young wing players and slashers.
Imagine the impact one of the top facilitators could have on the development of guys like RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and Kevin Knox. A player with this skill set would help get easy baskets in transition or the half-court would give so much momentum and confidence to this young core.
Basketball has always been a rhythm game. What better way to get in the zone than by getting consistent, easy, baskets?
An average Knicks offense would be completely changed by the presence of a pass-first PG. Thankfully, there are a few such players on the trade market that would fit into the non-superstar class New York is reportedly targeting. Here are the top three:
New York Knicks</a> fans, the franchise is <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://sny.tv/articles/knicks-trade-top-player-haven-t-been-aggressive-ahead-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> opting against the pursuit of a trade deadline deal for an established star. While it is important to note that any deadline news may always be a smokescreen or leverage play, the current trade market does not seem to feature a star that is an obvious fit in NYC.</p>
<p>However, this report does suggest that New York does plan to remain active around the March 25th deadline, focusing more on complementary players than on a centerpiece.</p>
<p>The star-starved Knicks would receive a major jolt of energy from an All-Star acquisition. However, the team’s hot start and defensive identity could result in a postseason berth with a player like newly crowned All-Star Julius Randle serving as the team’s #1 option. There is good wisdom in saving future assets to build around a budding young roster in future seasons.</p>
<p>This strategy makes even more sense when one considers the Knicks’ biggest overall need. I recently wrote a piece explaining why New York’s biggest on-court issue is their lack of a pass-first ball handler.</p>
<p>While the recently acquired Derrick Rose gives the team a veteran leader and closing option, New York lacks a player with the passing ability to transform an offense full of young wing players and slashers.</p>
<p>Imagine the impact one of the top facilitators could have on the development of guys like RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and Kevin Knox. A player with this skill set would help get easy baskets in transition or the half-court would give so much momentum and confidence to this young core.</p>
<p>Basketball has always been a rhythm game. What better way to get in the zone than by getting consistent, easy, baskets?</p>
<p>An average Knicks offense would be completely changed by the presence of a pass-first PG. Thankfully, there are a few such players on the trade market that would fit into the non-superstar class New York is reportedly targeting. Here are the top three:</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A Tricky Veteran </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-116319 size-full" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2130,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1304570715.jpeg" alt="NY Knicks" width="3200" height="2130" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1304570715.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1304570715-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Ricky Rubio, Knicks.. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>New York Knicks target: Ricky Rubio</h2>
<p>A trade for Ricky Rubio would carry obvious benefits and concerns. On the positive side, he would be the ideal fit for a classic point guard role. Rubio has long been one of the league’s most effective ball distributors. He holds a career average of 7.7 assists per game and averaged 8.8 as recently as the 2019-2020 season. This year, he has posted a solid 6.5 dime per contest despite getting just 25 minutes per game as a backup in Minnesota.</p>
<p>At just 30 years old, Rubio is also still young enough to make an impact on the court. He is far more than a passing novelty who brings little else to the table. He is still a capable scorer who rebounds well for his position and is a good source of steals.</p>
<p>Even more important is the recent history of winning. His Utah Jazz teams won 48 games in 2017 and 50 in 2018. Then Rubio’s presence on a previously underachieving Phoenix team helped the Suns post 34 wins during a shortened season in 2019. He was a pivotal part of the team going from the standing basement to a postseason contender and the darlings of the NBA COVID bubble.</p>
<p>The former 5th overall pick also has a tremendous reputation as a leader. 2020 1st overall draft pick Anthony Edwards has <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://www.startribune.com/anthony-edwards-says-ricky-rubio-is-the-best-leader-hes-ever-been-around/600033353/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">publicly called</a> Rubio the “best leader he has ever been around.” A New York squad comprised of mostly young talent would benefit tremendously from this type of player.</p>
<p>In fact, the Knicks would have one of the better locker rooms in the league with veterans like Rubio and Rose leading the way.</p>
<p>Rubio’s poor shooting metrics and $17+ million cap hit this season and next are concerning factors. However, they should also lead to a <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://zonecoverage.com/2021/timberwolves/what-is-the-trade-value-of-each-wolves-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">low-price tag</a>. The Knicks could likely add Rubio for their playoff push without sacrificing any other important assets.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A Famous Ball Handler </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-116320" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1302918344.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1302918344.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1302918344-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 17: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball down court during the third quarter of an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>New York Knicks target: Lonzo Ball</h2>
<p>A trade for Lonzo Ball has long been a <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/12/05/knicks-lonzo-ball-perfect-trade-target/">source of speculation</a> among Knicks fans and analysts. After his poor performance in the bubble, it seemed like more of a joke than a serious option. However, his strong play during the first half of the 2020-2021 season has caused his value and reputation to skyrocket.</p>
<p>The former #2 overall draft pick has developed a similar reputation to Rubio over the first three seasons of his career. He is a great passer with elite vision and feel for the game. He has averaged 5.8 assists per game and has posted averages above 7 in two of his first four seasons (2017 and 2019). He is also one of the best rebounders (averaging 4.7 boards per game in his career) and defenders at his position. He clearly makes an impact while he is on the floor. His skill set is just different than most other players that play his position.</p>
<p>His scoring and shooting limitations have capped him in the tier of a role player. However, the historically streaky shooter is currently in the hottest stretch of his career.</p>
<p>Ball is averaging career-highs across the board with marks at 14.1 points per game, 41% from the field, and a super solid 38% from behind the three-point arc on 7.7 attempts a contest. He has suddenly become one of the<a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pelicans-lonzo-ball-suddenly-ranks-among-nbas-best-3-point-shooters-and-his-value-is-skyrocketing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> best shooters in the league</a>. This hot start to the season has led to speculation that he may be taken off the trade market and retained by New Orleans.</p>
<p>The Knicks should expect to face additional difficulties if they seriously pursue a deal for Ball. Not only is his availability in question, but his price tag is also growing by the day. A <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2021/03/09/lonzo-ball-rumors-boston-celtics-trade-pelicans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent article</a> by The Athletic speculated that Ball could fetch as many as two first-round draft picks in a mock trade to Boston. This is likely too high a price for New York to pay.</p>
<p>However, should the price drop, his age and skill set would be a great match in MSG.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Two Sneaky Options </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-116321" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1212807375.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1212807375.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1212807375-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 09: Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets controls the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NY Knicks target: Devonte Graham</h2>
<p>Devonte Graham is the first player on this list whose primary skill is something other than passing. The 2018 second-round pick had a breakout season during his sophomore campaign in Charlotte. He posted 18.2 points per game on 37% from three. Despite his reputation as more of a combo guard. Graham also chipped in a respectable 7.5 assists that season.</p>
<p>However, his performance has dropped off considerably this year. His points-per-game is down to 13.5 and his assists numbers have fallen to a (still solid) 5.7.</p>
<p>Part of this decline can be attributed to the presence of star rookie LaMelo Ball, who has taken over the majority of the ball-handling duties. However, Graham has still averaged 32 minutes per game (with 35 coming during his best season).</p>
<p>While the two aforenoted targets as a more natural fit for the Knicks, he would be a good backup option. He also becomes more appealing when one considers his price tag. <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2020/10/20/charlotte-hornets-3-trade-ideas/">Recent speculation</a> has Graham’s price tag somewhere in the range of the Knicks’ latter first-round pick that was acquired from Dallas in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. His statistical drop should result in an even cheaper cost.</p>
<p>At just 26-years-old, Graham could be a sneaky good fit with the Knicks.</p>
<h2>NY Knicks target: Kyle Anderson</h2>
<p>Here’s a fourth wild-card option that Knicks could consider trading for at the deadline. While the 6’9” forward does not fit the same point guard mold as every other player on this list, he could be a low-cost option to help New York improve their ball movement.</p>
<p>The veteran is averaging a career-high 3.4 assists per game this season. Despite his larger frame, he is a very skilled ball handler and passer for his position. His basketball IQ is also sky-high.</p>
<p>He is a solid passer, scorer, shooter, and defender who could slot in at multiple positions and give a boost to New York’s offensive efficiency.</p>
<p><em><strong>Who would you like to see the Knicks target during the NBA trade deadline?</strong></em></p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="4 Players the Knicks could sign if bought out" data-url="https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/13/ny-knicks-4-players-sign-if-bought-out/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/14/new-york-knicks-four-pass-first-point-guards-target-via-trade/"https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/13/ny-knicks-4-players-sign-if-bought-out/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 4 Players the Knicks could sign if bought out </a> </div>
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