Jae Crowder, Phoneix Suns. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
Option #3: Jae Crowder, F, PHX
Suns forward Jae Crowder is the least exciting of the three options. However, the veteran certainly fits the 3-and-D prototype the Knicks should be seeking.
Crowder has carved out a long and successful NBA career with his ability to defend well while spacing the floor. His combination of large six-foot-six, 235-pound frame, notable strength, and ability to move laterally allows him to guard several positions in the modern NBA.
The former Marquette star has also established himself as a respected shooter around the perimeter. The career 35 percent three-point shooter is averaging nearly 5.5 attempts this season. He is also just two years removed from a career-best 45 percent clip from three during the 2019-20 campaign.
Additionally, the veteran has a plethora of experience as a postseason player. Crowder currently has 107 career playoff games under his belt. This familiarity with big movements could aid New York as the team attempts to compete in big games and moments.
On the downside, Crowder is a relatively unexciting option. He has a career average of 9.6 points per contest, giving him a low overall ceiling. The former second-round pick is also 32 years old, capping his ability to make a long-term impact in New York.
Crowder’s price tag should be fairly low, with something in the ballpark of a rotation player (something New York has a surplus of since the rotation condensed) and second-round draft capital.
Adding Jae Crowder would make an impact, but how much would he realistically move the needle?
trade buzz</a> is even more prominent due to the Knicks’ solid start to the season. The club currently sits seventh in the East with a 22-19 record. A combination of resurgence by star Julius Randle, great play by newcomer Jalen Brunson, and a recommitment to defensive excellence has New York poised for another postseason push. This is music to the ears of faithful Knicks fans!</p>
<h2>Who should Knicks be targeting ahead of Feb. 9 trade deadline?</h2>
<p>However, the franchise still has obvious weaknesses. New York ranks in the middle of the pack in scoring (at 114 points per game which places them at 15th in the league) and three-point makes (11.9 per game for 16th in the league). They are also a sub-par 26th in the league in team three-point percentage at 33.9%.</p>
<p>Their defense, which has been the club’s source of identity under head coach Tom Thibodeau, has excelled ranking in the top ten at 111.3 points per game allowed. While this mark is solid, a few defensive-minded additions could provide a further boost to this established strength.</p>
<p>This places New York in a position where many across the league find themselves: seeking solid 3-and-D players. Thankfully, a recent <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10060561-knicks-trade-targets-with-2023-nba-trade-deadline-a-month-away" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bleacher Report article</a> offers three realistic suggestions for adding this type of player. Here’s some helpful analysis on each of these options, ranked from worst to best.</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/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The vet with big game experience </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-138026" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2023%2F01%2F1393730880.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Jae Crowder" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1393730880.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1393730880-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Jae Crowder, Phoneix Suns. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>Option #3: Jae Crowder, F, PHX</h3>
<p>Suns forward Jae Crowder is the least exciting of the three options. However, the veteran certainly fits the 3-and-D prototype the Knicks should be seeking.</p>
<p>Crowder has carved out a long and successful NBA career with his ability to defend well while spacing the floor. His combination of large six-foot-six, 235-pound frame, notable strength, and ability to move laterally allows him to guard several positions in the modern NBA.</p>
<p>The former Marquette star has also established himself as a respected shooter around the perimeter. The career 35 percent three-point shooter is averaging nearly 5.5 attempts this season. He is also just two years removed from a career-best 45 percent clip from three during the 2019-20 campaign.</p>
<p>Additionally, the veteran has a plethora of experience as a postseason player. Crowder currently has 107 career playoff games under his belt. This familiarity with big movements could aid New York as the team attempts to compete in big games and moments.</p>
<p>On the downside, Crowder is a relatively unexciting option. He has a career average of 9.6 points per contest, giving him a low overall ceiling. The former second-round pick is also 32 years old, capping his ability to make a long-term impact in New York.</p>
<p>Crowder’s price tag should be fairly low, with something in the ballpark of a rotation player (something New York has a surplus of since the rotation condensed) and second-round draft capital.</p>
<p>Adding Jae Crowder would make an impact, but how much would he realistically move the needle?</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/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The young 3-and-D wing </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-138027" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"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%2F2023%2F01%2F1451120853.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Kelly Oubre Jr. " width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1451120853.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1451120853-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>Option #2: Kelly Oubre, F, CHA</h3>
<p>Kelly Oubre Jr. is an enhanced version of Jae Crowder in nearly every measurable way. He too is a reputation 3-and-D player. He also has a large frame at six-foot-seven, 203 pounds with the defensive ability to guard multiple positions.</p>
<p>While Oubre can not match Crowder’s strength, he has a clear edge in athleticism. And his offensive upside is miles higher.</p>
<p>The former Kansas Jayhawk is currently averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game in Charlotte. While his three-point stroke is cold (he is shooting just 30 percent this season), he did establish himself with a much higher 34 percent mark last season.</p>
<p>Oubre’s ability to attack and finish above the rim would be a welcome addition to the MSG atmosphere. <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cJV_Y7GZd0%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">See here</a> for an example of his ridiculous athleticism.</p>
<p>A slow start to the season has Charlotte in the basement of the league standings. This should incentivize the franchise to capitalize on Oubre’s career start by trading him. While the price tag would be higher than Crowder’s it would not take an All-Star-like package to bring Oubre to New York.</p>
<p>In fact, Oubre’s <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://www.nba.com/news/hornets-kelly-oubre-jr-hand-surgery#:~:text=Sources%3A%20Hornets%20forward%20Kelly%20Oubre,56%20AM%20%C2%B7%20Jan%203%2C%202023">recent left-hand injury</a>, which will sideline him for 4-6 weeks, will likely drive down his asking price. Because the seven-year veteran’s skillset is well established, the long-term risk here feels very low.</p>
<p>I do wonder how Oubre’s skillset, specifically his low three-point percentage, would fit alongside players like RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. However, if the Knicks are indeed looking to add to their roster as they pursue the 2023 postseason, Oubre and his 20+ points per game would certainly make a tangible impact.</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/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The budding superstar </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-138028" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"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%2F2023%2F01%2F1449149711.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, OG Anunoby" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1449149711.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/01/1449149711-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>Option #1: OG Anunoby, G, TOR</h3>
<p>This leads us to our final B/R trade piece suggestion: Raptors star OG Anunoby. This is by far the most intriguing opinion for the Knicks. It also features the loftiest pros and cons.</p>
<p>On one hand, Anunoby is a budding star with sky-high potential. The 25-year-old forward has taken substantial leaps in each of his first six seasons. Now, it appears as though the sky is the limit!</p>
<p>Once a raw prospect with an unrefined offensive game, Anunoby has become a dangerous weapon at all levels. His career 37 percent three-point mark and 18.3 points per game average this season have more than earned the respect of opposing defenders. While his athleticism and six-foot-seven frame combine to make him a tough cover when he attacks the basket.</p>
<p>Better yet is the fact that the former Indiana star’s most valuable skillset is anchored in his defense. The aforementioned combination of length and defense makes Anunoby an absolute nightmare for opposing players. An<a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2022/12/05/o-g-anunoby-is-having-the-greatest-defensive-season-of-any-raptor-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> argument</a> can be made that he is already the best defender in the history of his franchise. He was also a <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://www.yahoo.com/video/nba-raptors-anunoby-shines-on-defence-vs-celtics-dpoy-case-grows-142938138.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEUrg_zJRlFTh-WwlypFJq4If4bp3L3SBHA8JEko_2cyJBZUa4VGDmcMbSjGwgw9oRRGxyMvhlP8FPTkQ31oou7i1wQiVfvLimrutL8gSl7po4JtgzKlgwjk2C0KnaDa5xpvgviNRaDDZL8ESBZVfb-UekKJd5BI2V0fITfZXxGo%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">legitimate candidate</a> for the Defensive Player of the Year award last season.</p>
<p>Anunoby would be an awesome addition to the Knicks. His defense would be terrifying alongside Thibodeau’s schemes. And his young age would make him a building block pillar.</p>
<p>However, because his skillset would translate well to all 30 NBA teams, he will be an extremely valuable commodity. In fact, there is credible speculation that Anunoby will fetch a <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/12/ranking-bleacher-reports-top-3-knicks-trade-targets-ahead-deadline/2/"https://dailyknicks.com/2023/01/06/latest-og-anunoby-raptors-trade-rumor-drive-knicks-away/">“Donovan Mitchell-like” package</a> if traded.</p>
<p>If New York was unwilling to sacrifice their collection of assets for an established All-Star in Mitchell, would they be wise to do so for a less established Anunoby?</p>
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