Knicks who could be traded by the Feb. 8 deadline
Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks, left, listens as Kristaps Porzingis #6 speaks during the team's Media Day held at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. Credit: James Escher
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 8. With that in mind, these players could be involved in deals:
Kyle O’Quinn: He’s been the team’s best interior defender. O’Quinn would add muscle and defense to a playoff team, but he has a $4.25-million player option next season. He could be a short-term rental if he opts out and becomes a free agent, which is expected. A team might not want to give up much for that.
Willy Hernangomez: The second-year big man was thought to be a cornerstone, but he’s been the third-string center. He still could be part of the Knicks’ future, but they would like him to get after it more and fight his way into the rotation. He has a good offensive game but needs to be better defensively.
Courtney Lee: He’s having his best offensive season and plays both ends of the floor. His versatility and defensive mentality appeal to contenders. The Knicks would want a good return — first-round pick, young wing player — which might be tough to get for a 32-year-old who is owed $25 million over the next two seasons.
Lance Thomas: A solid veteran and professional whose defense makes him attractive to teams. He’s limited offensively and is on the books for $14.7 million for the next two seasons.
Enes Kanter: He’s so skilled offensively inside and is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. His defense is a major liability, though, and he isn’t effective when teams go small. Kanter can opt out of his contract, which calls for him to be paid $17.8 million next season.
Jarrett Jack: If the Knicks fall further out of playoff contention, Jack’s playing time could be cut because of Trey Burke’s emergence and the need for rookie Frank Ntilikina to play more. Teams needing a solid veteran backup point guard could come calling about Jack, but what would they give up?
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
