Whether or not the Knicks absolutely need to do anything at the trade deadline is definitely a question worth asking, considering what we've seen from the team so far and what we've heard from head coach Tom Thibodeau about taking it step-by-step.
But that's boring, right?
It may be imprudent to assume that New York will make some sort of massive move at the deadline, just hours away, and it may be equally as imprudent for the front office to actually do so with the team's timeline in mind. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill from spewing out intriguing buzz at a fast and furious rate, and one NBA insider thinks that all the trade talk actually has some juice to it.
Bleacher Report's A. Sherrod Blakely thinks that the Knicks could make a move for San Antonio Spurs veteran DeMar DeRozan before our clocks strike 3:00 p.m., making a splash that the fan base has been waiting for:
New York is involved with a number of players, but acquiring DeMar DeRozan is near the top of its wish list. He's a consistent scorer, he's durable, and he would provide the veteran presence the Knicks are intent on adding to the mix to solidify their presence as a playoff contender and a team on the rise.
It wouldn't necessarily be a surprise if the Spurs held on to DeRozan. He's an impending free agent and could help San Antonio, currently a playoff-bound squad based on the standings, make one last push before an era of young players begins. But for the same reason — that he's in a contract year and that the Spurs could try to get something for him in a season where they don't have serious title aspirations — he makes sense as an ideal trade candidate.
He'll certainly bring back value, seeing as he's having a similar season to Julius Randle in which his offensive facilitating has improved (7.3 assists per game, compared to 3.7 career average) and his scoring is up above 20 points per game for the eighth straight campaign. He'd be a veteran scorer on the wing alongside young threats R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, and his presence would definitely bolster the Knicks' playoff chances in a somewhat vulnerable Eastern Conference. If all goes well, the Knicks would have first dibs at bringing him back this offseason, too.
Blakely's Bleacher Report colleague, Eric Pincus, thinks that the Knicks will be in play for Lonzo Ball as well. Pincus put together a prospective trade package consisting of Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox and, "if needed," the Mavericks' 2021 first-round pick in return for the impending free agent.
Again, there are only hours remaining. Could this be the year where the Knicks go all-in at the deadline? Or will they stay on course and play out the year with the long term in mind? We'll find out soon.
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