OKC Thunder: Power Rankings all teams at the trade deadline
27. . 21-22. Previous: 13th. New York Knicks. 17. team
New York Knicks: Big time buyers
Week 13: 1-3
Offense: (108.3) 23rd
Defense: (108.3) 4th
Net: (Plus +0.0 15th
The Knicks are said to be actively involved in the Lonzo Ball sweepstakes, which sort of highlights the point guard situation in New York.
Since arriving in New York the Tom Thibodeau has cycled through numerous point guards seemingly searching for the perfect fit beside sophomore RJ Barrett. Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina weren’t precisely what Thibs envisioned so the Knicks traded for his former MVP Derrick Rose.
He’s helped develop the young rising talent, Immanuel Quickly who looked to be the answer but then why jump in to grab Lonzo.
Perhaps it’s simply talent-based and the fact the Knicks will have the salary room to sign Ball to the type of deal New Orleans is unable to offer.
In fact, the Knicks are envisioning this trade deadline as an opportunity to spend on talent. Originally the thinking was they would add free agents this offseason when the prospects would be plentiful but so many of those players re-signed or extended so the well dried up.
That’s led to the Knicks name being mentioned on numerous fronts including Victor Oladipo, DeMar DeRozan, Myles Turner, Andre Drummond, J.J. Redick, and Evan Fournier.
You get the picture — the Mecca is tired of not being a player in the East elite and with the team ascending faster than originally projected so they want to punch the turbo accelerator.
Timing is of the essence as the Knicks entered the break on a 10-5 run but since returning are 3-4.