Knicks Trade Rumors: 3 more players that are likely to leave the Knicks in the next week

The NBA trade deadline will close later this week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

Earlier today, the New York Knicks agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal will see Kristaps Porzingis exit the team alongside Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. in return for Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., and DeAndre Jordan.

Despite the major trade, the Knicks are still likely to offload more players ahead of a major recruitment drive in the summer, and here are three of the individuals that could make way.

#3 Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina has shown plenty of promise since being selected by the Knicks as the eighth overall pick during the 2017 NBA draft, although the Frenchman is yet to establish himself as a regular starter. Ntilikina has started just sixteen times during the Knicks' struggling season, and Steve Kyler is reporting that the 20-year-old could be traded in the next week:

The Knicks have also recently opened the door on deals involving guard Frank Ntilikina.

During his time on the court this season, Ntilikina has managed 5.9 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, the addition of Dennis Smith Jr. will reduce the Frenchman's minutes, and an immediate trade looks to be the best solution for both Ntilikina and the Knicks.

#2 Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter has struggled to break into the Knicks starting five all season long, and the Turkish center has featured just twice in the team's last seven games. Due to this, Marc Stein from the New York Time is reporting that Kanter is available for trade:

The veteran Knicks forward Enes Kanter has also been made available by the Knicks in advance of the trade deadline. But dealing Kanter before the deadline would not help the Knicks’ salary-cap situation this summer because Kanter’s $18.6 million salary is an expiring contract.

Kanter did not play Wednesday night against Houston and has grown increasingly frustrated with his dwindling role, with the Knicks firmly focused on developing their younger players and prioritizing draft position.

Kanter has been with the Knicks since 2017, although the team clearly has no plans for the former OKC man. Despite playing limited minutes so far this season, Kanter has still managed to average a double-double, and the center would be a good addition to a playoff chasing team.

#1 Trey Burke

Throughout January, Trey Burke barely featured for the Knicks, although the 26-year-old made a spectator last week return as he dropped 25 points on the Nets. Nevertheless, the New York Post is reporting that the Knicks want to trade Burke, and the player himself would be happy to leave:

In search of second-round picks, the Knicks will explore trading Burke at the Feb. 7 deadline, and he said he’s fine whether he stays or goes. This latest showcase for Burke, a free agent, is bound to turn NBA heads. The Lakers are without injured point guard Lonzo Ball, the Warriors are thin at backup point guard with Quinn Cook and the Nets just lost Spencer Dinwiddie for weeks to thumb surgery.

Burke has been with the Knicks for just over a year and is this season averaging 11.6 points and 2.9 assists per game. Burke will also become a free agent in the summer, so it makes sense for the Knicks to trade him ahead of the deadline.

Edited by Sai Krishna