The New York Knicks have had a very good start to the season. In the summer they added a pair of All-Star caliber talents Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to their starting lineup. That was expected to lead to some growing pains they would need a few months to work through. However, New York has a potent offense, a defense that is coming together, and a top-five record in the league.
However, the franchise has been linked to trade rumors for moves to bolster their depth for weeks. With the NBA trade deadline nearly here, Knicks fans are wondering if a trade will actually happen. On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Tim Bontemps seemed to guarantee a trade will be happening when he claimed the club is “expected to move center Jericho Sims” before Thursday’s deadline.
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If the Knicks do make a trade in the next 24 hours, here are five players they could package Sims in a deal to land.
Kevin Huerter
A report today suggested the Chicago Bulls will hold Kevin Huerter out of their next game after acquiring him earlier this week. It is a clear sign they are trying to move him before 6 PM ET tomorrow. The Knicks could use more offensive punch from their bench and talented three-point shooters. The former Sacramento Kings sharpshooter would fill those needs for New York.
Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic is the best center on the trade market. It is a position they have been looking to upgrade for weeks. Mitchell Robinson is set to return soon, but his remaining in a bench role like last year, and the team landing Vucvic to be their starter is a possibility. Or Sims and Robinson could both be packaged in a deal to land the two-time All-Star.
Guerschon Yabusele
New York has been linked to a potential trade for French Olympian Guerschon Yabusele over the last couple of weeks. While he is an undersized center, he is a powerhouse that can also stretch the floor. He would be a very good addition to the Knicks bench if the Philadelphia 76ers don’t choose to give him a new multi-year contract.
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Andre Drummond
If the Sixers don’t make Yabusele unavailable, that could mean two-time All-Star Andre Drummond might be up for grabs instead. While he is no longer in his prime, the 31-year-old is an elite-level backup center who is still a rebounding machine when on the floor. He would give the New York Knicks a great failsafe if Robinson incurs another injury this year.
Jarred Vanderbilt
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have interest in both Jericho Sims and Mitchell Robinson. A potential trade with New York likely would include another oft-injured player in Jarred Vanderbilt. When healthy, he is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He would give the team a strong backup option if OG Anunoby’s latest injury is a problem for the rest of the season.