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There are just a few days to go before the NBA franchises' training camps resume, and NBA Trade Rumors are giving us an indication as to which direction a particular team is headed. The New York Knicks have been passive yet smart with their choices so far. We take a look at some players the Eastern Conference team can target to improve their roster.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players New York Knicks can target this offseason
The New York Knicks have been signing players to 1-year deals this offseason, presumably because the team wants to preserve their cap space for next year's NBA Free Agency. The Knicks have various trade assets and draft capital, which could be used to make more moves this year. Here are some players the franchise can move for this offseason.
#1 Lonzo Ball
The New Orleans Pelicans are loaded at the guard position, despite making an NBA trade for Jrue Holiday recently. The team already has Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and recently acquired Eric Bledsoe as well. Meanwhile, Josh Hart can also play in the guard spot. The Pelicans have just drafted point guard Kira Lewis out of Alabama with their lottery pick, which means Lonzo Ball could be deemed surplus to requirements at the basketball club.
The New York Knicks desperately need a point guard, as the roster is completely devoid of a player who can be the primary playmaker on the team. Lonzo Ball could be that option for the Knicks, as there have been recent NBA Trade Rumors surrounding his future in New Orleans.
#2 DeMar DeRozan
Sporadic NBA Trade Rumors have surfaced regarding the New York Knicks' possible interest in DeRozan. It has been widely reported that the 4-time All-star is not happy with his role in San Antonio. With DeRozan opting into his $27.7 million player option for 2020-21, he's set to hit NBA Free Agency next offseason.
The former Toronto Raptors star could present a solution for the New York Knicks' lead guard problem if they play their cards right. DeRozan wants to be the number one option on a big market team, and the Knicks will allow him to be just that.
Also read: Predicting LA Lakers' death lineup for 2020-21 NBA Season
#3 Monte Morris
Monte Morris, a backup point guard for the Denver Nuggets, will earn a paltry $1.7 million next season. However, Morris will become an unrestricted free agent in 2021, when he is expecting to cash in. After inking their starting PG, Jamal Murray, to a five-year, $170 million maximum contract extension last summer, there's only so much money the Denver Nuggets can invest in one position.
Thus, it's possible Denver may consider moving the reliable Monte Morris to avoid risking losing him for nothing via free agency. In come the New York Knicks, who are in desperate need of a point guard, and can be an ideal landing spot for Morris.
#4 Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo's name has been brought up in numerous NBA Trade Rumors this offseason, as he has been linked to a handful of franchises, ranging from the Miami Heat to the LA Lakers. There is major speculation regarding his future and various contenders are keeping a keen eye on his situation.
One team that can certainly benefit from Oladipo's arrival is the New York Knicks, as they will adding a combo guard who can take care of business on both ends. The only issue with Oladipo is his injury history, something the New York Knicks will have to be wary of before making a move for the Indiana Pacers star.
#5 Nicholas Batum
This one is all about cap space. Batum's cap hit for 2020-21 is $27.1 million. To open up the requisite cap space needed to complete the Gordon Hayward signing, the Hornets first need to either waive-and-stretch Batum or find another team to absorb his contract.
The New York Knicks have already shrewdly rented out $5 million worth of their cap space to take on Ed Davis' contract from the Utah Jazz. The deal resulted in the New York Knicks netting three future second-round draft selections. The New York Knicks would almost certainly demand first-round draft compensation in exchange for taking on Batum's massive salary, which could help the Knicks in their plans to improve the roster in the future.
Guess the Lakers players!
