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New York Knicks: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21

ByHolden Walter-Warner|
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Wayne Ellington #2 and Bobby Portis #1 of the New York Knicks look on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 27, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Wayne Ellington #2 and Bobby Portis #1 of the New York Knicks look on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 27, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

1. Dennis Smith Jr.

The prize of the Kristaps Porzingis trade on the New York end may already be on his way out the door. Trade rumors ran rampant around Dennis Smith Jr. around the trade deadline, only for the front office overhaul to prevent anything from transpiring.

Smith Jr.’s first full season in New York has been a challenging one, partially due to events out of the point guard’s control. His stepmother passed away at the beginning of the season, leading to him taking a personal leave. He also struggled with a variety of injuries, including a concussion and an oblique injury.

All of it added up to a very uneven campaign for the young point guard. He often struggled to overtake Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina in the lineup. He played in just 34 games and averaged a poor 5.5 points per game. His plus/minus of -5.7 was the worst of his career and he shot just 29.6 percent from 3-point range.

Smith Jr. is still a very young player, but it’s no secret the Knicks feel they need a new point guard. The previous regime picked up his fourth-year option for next season, but the new front office won’t feel tethered to the player who was supposed to make fans forget about Porzingis. Swinging a trade may be hard – Smith Jr.’s value has never been lower – but expect Rose to pursue it heavily.

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