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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 /

1. Kyle O’Quinn

Of all the players on the roster, Kyle O’Quinn is the likeliest player to be on the move for multiple reasons.

First is the logjam that has been mentioned. A center is almost guaranteed to be moved in the coming week. O’Quinn would alleviate that problem and open up minutes for the Knicks to continue playing and developing Hernangomez.

Like Lee, O’Quinn was also named as the likeliest Knicks player to be on the move prior to the trade deadline. He has already received interest from the Golden State Warriors. If the Knicks were able to coax a draft pick out of the Warriors, albeit it most likely being the last pick in the first round, it is another asset for the Knicks to use.

What makes O’Quinn most likely to be traded, compared to say Hernangomez, is his contract. O’Quinn has a player option for next season. Given how well he has played this season, it is likely that he declines that and hits the open market. Given their cap restrictions, the Knicks may not be able to retain O’Quinn, so trading him now would at least get them some sort of assets instead of letting him walk for nothing in free agency.

Therein lies the problem for the Knicks as well. Teams are unlucky to trade away many assets for O’Quinn if they believe he will leave in free agency. Hernangomez, on the other hand, is still on his rookie deal and locked in for two more seasons at a very affordable price.

While the haul for Hernangomez would probably be bigger, they at least know he will be with the team for two more seasons. It is unlikely, but if the Knicks traded Hernangomez, there is a chance that Joakim Noah would be the only center on the roster next season. Both O’Quinn and Kanter have player options for next season.

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That is a scenario the team cannot allow to happen. As a result, given the circumstances, O’Quinn is the most likely Knicks player to be on the move in the coming week as we head toward the NBA Trade Deadline.

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