The New York Knicks are quickly making changes amid another ugly season and now with their focus set on the future, point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is reportedly drawing significant trade interest.
According to SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley, the Minnesota Timberwolves are among multiple teams interested in acquiring New York’s 22-year-old point guard and believe he is available for trade.
Smith Jr., who is averaging just 5.6 points and 2.8 assists in limited minutes this season, was among the pieces acquired in January as part of the return for Kristaps Porzingis.
New York hoped the former No. 9 pick overall in the 2017 NBA Draft would thrive at Madison Square Garden as its starting point guard. Instead, he has fallen behind Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina in the rotation.
The Timberwolves could view Smith Jr. as a buy-low candidate with the hope that a change of scenery can bring back the player who averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists as a rookie.
As for the Knicks, they’ll likely be happy just to get future draft picks back for Smith Jr. and the minutes it will clear for other players. Smith Jr. isn’t the only prominent player that could be traded, either.