NBA Trade Window: 3 players the New York Knicks should target this month

The New York Knicks are once again having a bad year. The team has started the 2018/19 NBA season with a 10-31 record, and is well out of playoff contention, despite the season only being at the halfway point. The Knicks are set to miss out on the postseason for a sixth consecutive year, and things are only getting worse on the court, as the team has lost nine of its last ten games.

Despite all the gloom surrounding the Knicks organization, the franchise is hoping to improve their fortunes by signing an All-Star free agent such as Kevin Durant in the summer. Nevertheless, the Knicks will need to make more than one addition to their roster in order to compete in the East, so with the February trade deadline quickly approaching, here are three players that the Knicks should make a move for this month.

#3 Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier during Dallas Mavericks v Boston Celtics

Terry Rozier is arguably the best point guard in the NBA that is currently available for trade. The Celtics seem willing to let Rozier leave, as Kyrie Irving has blocked the 24-year-old's route to the starting five, and Rozier himself has stated that he wants to be playing regular minutes.

In his time with the Boston Celtics, Rozier has demonstrated his ability to contribute as both a starter and from the bench. During the Celtics' postseason run last year, Rozier notably stepped up in the absence of Irving and averaged an impressive 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per contest.

There is no doubting that the Knicks would be a better team if they add Rozier, and with 'Scary Terry' still being just 24, he could potentially become a major player on the Knicks roster for years to come.

#2 Carmelo Anthony

Oklahoma City Thunder v Charlotte Hornets

Back in November, Carmelo Anthony was told by the Houston Rockets that he did not feature in the franchise's future plans. Despite this, Melo remains an offensive force, and Anthony could breathe life into a Knicks season that has been devoid of any excitement or joy.

The New York Knicks have nothing left to play for this season, and the team has nothing to lose from signing their former superstar. Melo, of course, left the organization in a messy breakup less than 18 months ago, although Anthony has reportedly since repaired his relationship with the organization, and the Knicks are now under a new regime.

A reunion between the Knicks and Anthony would also give the team some much-needed media coverage, and if the 34-year-old can impress on the court, it could even lead to a one-year extension in the summer, and the potential pairing of Melo and Kevin Durant.

#1 Dennis Smith Jr.

Last month it was reported that the Dallas Mavericks were open to trading away Dennis Smith Jr. This was a major surprise, as Smith Jr. was only selected 9th overall by the Mavericks back in the 2017 draft.

Smith Jr. started 69 games for the Mavericks during the 2017/18 season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, and the 21-year-old was named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team. While Smith's point tally has dropped this season (12.6), the young guard has improved from behind the arc, and has also increased his field goal percentage to .443.

The Knicks clearly have the assets to complete a trade, as the team can include the likes of Enes Kanter, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Frank Ntilikina. Smith Jr. is still an incredibly exciting prospect, and if the Mavericks man is actually available, the Knicks should go all in on a deal.