New York Knicks: Grading The Offseason

Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) warms up before the start of their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

O’Quinn Sign-And-Trade

Unless you’re an avid Orlando Magic fan or diehard NBA follower, you probably remember Kyle O’Quinn most for his role in helping No. 15 Norfolk State upset the No. 2 Missouri Tigers in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament (26 points and 14 rebounds). Still, considering the price New York got him at, this could wind up being a steal.

In a sign-and-trade with the Magic, the Knicks acquired this 6’10”, 250-pound paint presence for the minimal price of cash and giving Orlando the ability to swap second round picks in 2019. O’Quinn is a value free agent and signing him to a four-year, $16 million deal is a pretty solid bargain.

Per 36 minutes, O’Quinn averaged 13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his first three seasons in Orlando. He might not be a viable starter, but he’ll be a solid backup for Lopez and might even be able to extend his shooting range after knocking down 12 three-pointers last season. He only shot 27.9 percent from downtown, but still.

The big move eluded Jackson this summer, but deals like O’Quinn’s show that at the very least, he’ll be able round out a rotation properly.

Grade: B

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