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New York Knicks: 5 players that could be gone before NBA Trade Deadline

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: The New York Knicks huddle before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 25, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: The New York Knicks huddle before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 25, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 players that could be gone before NBA Trade Deadline
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Jarrett Jack

Many people talk about the logjam that the Knicks have the center spot, which is accurate. With the moves that the team has recently made, another logjam could be forming in the backcourt at point guard.

Trey Burke has played well thus far in his Knicks tenure. There are plenty of people that think he should be given some extra playing time. That playing time, however, should come at the expense of Jarrett Jack, not rookie Frank Ntilikina.

Jack has been solid for the Knicks this season. After playing only two games last season, Jack has provided a serviceable 7.8 points and 6.2 assists per game. He has been more than serviceable, which can help the Knicks.

There are executives that believe there is a market for Jack. Some believe he cannot be traded, which is why he is at No. 4 on this list. While he has been good for the Knicks, he would help them even more if he were traded.

Even if the Knicks received a second round pick for Jack, they’d get something of value for a player that signed a non-guaranteed deal in training camp. Moving him would also open up the starting spot for Ntilikina, something the Knicks should focus on the remainder of the season.

If the Knicks are going to improve in the near future, Ntilikina developing along with Porzingis is a must. Giving him starter’s minutes would be great for development, and who knows? Maybe they catch lightning in a bottle.

The combination of Ntilikina and Burke should be enough for the Knicks the remainder of this season. An argument can be made that they are better with Ntilikina and Burke on the court than Jack, so moving him accomplishes multiple goals for the team.

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