We’re about a quarter into the NBA season, which means trade talks are beginning to percolate across the league.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported a couple of Knicks guards -- Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley -- are involved in some discussions.
Both have been a key part of the Knicks rotation, with the latter improving yet again despite continued shooting struggles. Looking at their situations from another angle, they leave fewer minutes for the young wings, and have contracts expiring soon.
With the Knicks' price reportedly centering around a first-round pick, here are five trade ideas should New York commit to moving one of the two.
Knicks get: Patrick Beverley, protected Lakers first-round pick
Lakers get: Derrick Rose
If the Knicks just want to clear a rotation spot for a draft asset cleanly, this is one trade that could do it.
The Lakers are well under .500 and are one of the worst-shooting teams in modern history, something Rose could assist with. He’s shot above 40 percent the last two seasons and has been solid this year too. He’d immediately be a top Lakers option at point guard.
New York could bench Beverley, who brings a pedigree to any team’s locker room, opening the rotation and utilizing him only in emergencies, likely behind Miles McBride. They’d also get one of Los Angeles’ two available firsts, sure to be protected given their late arrival and value in the face of the Lakers current trajectory.
Knicks get: Harrison Barnes, first-round pick
Kings get: Evan Fournier, Immanuel Quickley
Quickley is on his rookie-scale contract, making a one-for-one trade difficult unless the Knicks are targeting another prospect due for an extension. However, they can kill two birds with one stone, attaching Evan Fournier’s larger contract to Quickley to shed future salary and improve the team.
This package nets them Barnes, a steady veteran that could boost their defense and three-point shooting, and the draft compensation they’re pursuing. It also allows the Knicks to get off Fournier’s deal, and avoiding a Quickley extension.
Knicks get: Danny Green, filler, first-round pick
Grizzlies get: Derrick Rose
Another team that could be interested in tossing the Knicks a pick for Rose’s services is Memphis, in the thick of the Western Conference Playoffs race with their lead guard dealing with injury. Rose would make for terrific insurance against future missed time, and can be more of an impact-maker offensively than current backup Tyus Jones.
The Grizzlies have a couple of wings that would make this trade work. Green has yet to play and would bring some championship mettle to the bench, or the Knicks could lobby for Dillon Brooks to go along with the pick.
