NBA Rumors: 3 players who could leave the New York Knicks this summer

The New York Knicks were the NBA's worst performing team of the 18/19 season. However, the franchise has positioned itself in a strong position heading into the off-season as they have the cap space to add two All-Stars on max deals.

The likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker have all been strongly linked with a move to New York, although their potential arrivals will signal the end for a number of the current roster. So, as the Knicks head towards a busy summer, here are three players that are being linked with a trade.

#3 Dennis Smith Jr.

Smith Jr has impressed during his time in New York

Dennis Smith Jr. was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks, and during his debut season, Smith was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. However, the young guard found himself traded to the Knicks back in January as part of the blockbuster trade for Kristaps Porzingis.

Following a mixed start to his second season in the NBA, Smith has rekindled his form in New York, averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over 21 games, and Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that the 21-year-old could be 'collateral damage' this summer:

He is, for now, the crown jewel of the Kristaps Porzingis trade. But the Knicks' priorities shift if they land two star free agents. Smith is bound to become collateral damage of an accelerated timeline in that scenario, particularly if New York finds itself in position to cobble together a package for Anthony Davis.

Smith's resurgence has resulted in his trade value drastically increase over the past few months, and many around the league believe that Smith is on a similar projection to D'Angelo Russell - who was named as an All-Star this season.

#2 Kevin Knox

Kevin Knox has struggled to make much of an impact in New York

Following an underwhelming rookie season, Kevin Knox has been linked with a trade from the Knicks. The teenager averaged just 12.8 points on 37 percent shooting as a rookie, and SNY's Ian Begley is reporting that the Pelicans may be interested in the young power forward:

Some people in the Pelicans organization were quietly gathering some intel on Knox recently, sources told SNY. Now, it's common for teams to gather information on players. That's part of the job of the front office/scouting department. But the uncertainty surrounding Davis' future in New Orleans makes their information-gathering on Knox (which was happening before Griffin took over) intriguing.

Knox was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Knicks in last year's draft, although he could be sacrificed due to the Knicks' desire to contend now, rather than build around their young core.

#1 Frank Ntilikina

Ntilikina is likely to be impacted by the Knicks' summer recruitment drive

The Knicks are expected to add an All-Star point guard such as Kyrie Irving during free agency, and the addition of another playmaker is likely to push Frank Ntilikina closer to the exit door. According to Marc Berman of the NY Post, the Knicks have had plans to trade Ntilikina since March:

The Knicks are expected to make Ntilikina available for trade on draft night, and if he doesn’t make it back this season, his value would not figure to be as high.

Ntilikina went on to miss the final seven games of the season, and he closed out the 18/19 campaign averaging just 21 minutes per game during his 42 appearances. The guard only managed 5.7 points and 2.8 assists per game, however, at 20, Ntilikina is still expected to be a useful trade asset as the Knicks look to build a roster that can compete next season.