A new report claims the New York Knicks could have trouble swinging blockbuster deals for star guards like Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray due to an ongoing issue between their agent and top Knicks brass.
Heading into the new year, the Knicks are in the thick of the chase for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. After a sluggish start to the season, the team has played much better in the last couple of months and Julius Randle is playing at an All-Star level alongside budding superstar Jalen Brunson.
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Nevertheless, many in Knicks Nation are wondering if the organization will swing a blockbuster trade to land another reliable star to boost their chances of advancing past the semifinals in the playoffs. Last season they were linked to a potential trade for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, and he could be a target again. Furthermore, last week a new report suggested they also had serious interest in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.
Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray’s agent may block trades to New York Knicks
However, swinging a deal for either before Feb. 8 could be far harder than expected for an unusual reason. In the offseason, the New York Daily News reported LaVine’s representation, led by super-agent Rich Paul had little interest in getting their client to NYC.
Late last week, SNY reported that a Murray deal could also be problematic because his agent, Rich Paul, is “reluctant” to do business with the Knicks. Allegedly, Paul has issues with Knicks executives Leon Rose and William Wesley.
All three previously worked for the talent agency CAA, and Murray’s current agent developed a grudge against Rose and Wesley after he left CAA to create his own company.
LaVine is more likely to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers or Philadelphia 76ers before the trade deadline, based on recent reports. However, Murray — a player the Knicks have shown interest in before — is viewed as an “ideal trade target” before Feb. 8.
Both are star players that likely will be moved ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline.
