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New York Knicks Rumors: Willy Hernangomez looking for bigger role

By Kenneth Teape

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Recent New York Knicks rumors involve Willy Hernangomez, who is seeking more playing time.

New York Knicks rumors have been picking up with the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline just three days away. The Knicks are likely to make a move. They could look to bolster their roster for a playoff push or trade away veterans to add future assets.

The Knicks are four games out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and five games away from being in the bottom five of the league. Management will have to decide if a late push is plausible, or look to the future.

One player that many fans thought would be apart of the future was Willy Hernangomez. The Knicks acquired Hernangomez’s draft rights from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade during the 2015 NBA Draft. Could he be on the move again?

During the Knicks’ seven-game road trip, trade rumors popped up involving Hernangomez. He is someone that other teams think highly of despite not getting much playing time this season.

The Utah Jazz reportedly expressed interest in Hernangomez. It was also reported that Hernangomez is drawing the most interest from other teams, while Kyle O’Quinn and Courtney Lee were believed to be the two likeliest players on the move. Now, Hernangomez is putting pressure on the Knicks.

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According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Hernangomez is looking for a bigger role. However, that doesn’t mean that Hernangomez is requesting a trade (though his representatives are pushing for this option). He just wants more playing time, whether that be with the Knicks or another organization via a trade.

Begley reported that Hernangomez’s representatives have expressed frustration for weeks given his role with the team. Hernangomez has been out of the rotation for more of the season, which has frustrated his representatives, along with his stunted development.

As a result, the other teams in the NBA are trying to take advantage. There have been more than a dozen teams expressing interest in Hernangomez with several making offers, according to Begley.

The interest is not surprising. Hernangomez was brought over last season and played well as a rookie. Hernangomez earned All-Rookie honors last season, averaging 8.2 points,  7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in18.4 minutes per game. He appeared in 72 games, starting 22 of them.

However, he has not been a part of the rotation in his second season. He has appeared in only 25 games, averaging 4.4 rebounds and 2.6 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per game.

When Enes Kanter was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Carmelo Anthony trade, an already crowded center depth chart became even more clogged. Kanter played very well, and O’Quinn performed well off the bench. That pushed Hernangomez to a reserve role, as he plays only in garbage time or when an injury occurs.

If Hernangomez is going to receive playing time with the Knicks, one of those two players will have to be traded. However, Begley noted that the Knicks are hopeful they can get Hernangomez back into the lineup if they are unable to trade him by Thursday’s deadline.

Being only 23 years old, the Knicks still plan for Hernangomez to be apart of their young core that includes Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina. Hernangomez is also best friends with Porzingis, so trading him could further damage the relationship the Knicks have with their unicorn.

Hernangomez has remained professional despite the lack of playing time and rumors involving him. He has stated that he wants to remain with the Knicks but must do what is best for his career.

For all of the reasons that other teams want Hernangomez, like his potential and his contract, are the Knicks should want to keep him. Trading someone such as O’Quinn would better fit New York’s plans, as he could leave as a free agent this offseason. Hernangomez, on the other hand, is on a cheap contract and under contract two more seasons.

Next: NBA Rookie of the Year Ladder: Week 17

This is something to keep an eye on in the coming days. The Knicks are likely to make a deal involving a center to alleviate their logjam. The question is, which center will it be?

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