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New York Knicks rumors: Kyle O’Quinn drawing trade interest

By Kenneth Teape

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks defends against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks defends against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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According to the latest New York Knicks rumors, the Golden State Warriors have reportedly expressed interest in center Kyle O’Quinn.

With the 2018 NBA Trade deadline just over two weeks away, New York Knicks rumors have begun popping up. Like many teams in the league, the Knicks have to decide whether or not they want to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

After losing to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, the Knicks sit 3.5 games out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. A 3.5-game deficit isn’t much to make up with 34 games remaining in the regular season.

However, the Knicks are just as close to being in the top five of the NBA Draft Lottery. A surprising 16-13 start to the season seems like a distant memory as the Knicks currently have a record of 21-27 following Tuesday’s loss.

Injuries have been a big issue for the Knicks during their tailspin, as well as their inability to win away from Madison Square Garden. The next two weeks will be very telling for the Knicks, as they are likely to be active at the trade deadline. The question is, will it be as buyers or sellers?

The Knicks are reportedly in the market for an upgrade on the wing. They have Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee, but little else on the perimeter. They have been linked to Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s upcoming free agency.

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While the Knicks could look to upgrade on the wing, the next question is, what would the team trade? It would make sense for the Knicks to look to trade from a position of strength to upgrade another spot on the team. For the Knicks, that position would be center.

The Knicks have a glut of players at the 5. Enes Kanter has played well since being acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Carmelo Anthony trade. Kyle O’Quinn has played well as his backup.

That has relegated youngster Willy Hernangomez to a deep reserve role, as he is only in the rotation when there are injuries. The Knicks also have Joakim Noah, whose contract they would most love to unload but are most likely stuck with.

The trio of Kanter, O’Quinn and Hernangomez has received interest from opposing executives, according to Ian Begley of ESPN New York. However, O’Quinn now has a team attached to his rumors.

According to Begley, the same Warriors they lost to Tuesday have expressed interest in O’Quinn. Interest from a contender such as the Warriors should come as no surprise.

Despite playing only 17 minutes a game, O’Quinn produces when he is on the court. He has an impressive per-36 line of 14.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.2 blocks.

Defensively is where O’Quinn makes his bread and butter. He has the athleticism to switch out onto the perimeter and can anchor a defense in the paint. His rebounding and shot-blocking prowess are his strengths, but he is no slouch offensively.

Arguably the best thing about O’Quinn is his contract. He is owed only a little over $4 million next season.

"“O’Quinn has certainly outperformed his contract,” said David Jacober, a strategic planning consultant for NBA teams. “His diversity on offense makes him attractive to a number of teams, such as Houston and Golden State.”"

However, that positive is also arguably the biggest deterrent to trading O’Quinn.

O’Quinn has a player option for next season. With how well he has played this season, it would be no surprise if he opted out and entered free agency looking to strike it rich. A player of O’Quinn’s caliber, based on what other free agents have received in recent seasons, would do very well on the open market.

With no guarantee that O’Quinn will be more than a rental, the offers the Knick receive could be underwhelming based on his production.

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There will not be a shortage of suitors for O’Quinn, and getting something for him instead of seeing him walk in free agency could be a motivating factor. With the playoffs still within reach, is it worth just dumping O’Quinn to get something in return? It could be a bad look, but it is something the Knicks will have to weigh in the coming weeks.

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