New York Knicks: Making a case for 3 rumored NBA trade deadline targets
By Dalton Sell
Second rumored trade target for the New York Knicks: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic
Sticking with centers, another rumored trade target that could help the New York Knicks fill out their center depth is Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic. Once again reported by the New York Post’s Marc Berman, the Knicks could look to make a run at the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Bamba has not exactly lived up to his potential in his three seasons with the Magic, hardly finding himself in the primary rotation this season. In 17 games, the 22-year-old has averaged 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game, all of which are career-lows.
Playing just an average of 9.5 minutes per game, Bamba could desperately use a fresh start elsewhere with a more prominent role, and perhaps New York could give it to him. As the Knicks scour the market for another center, Bamba would be a low-risk, high-reward option for them to consider ahead of the deadline.
Currently still on his rookie-scale deal, Bamba is under contract for just under $6 million this season, $7.6 million the following, and will have a qualifying offer for $10.1 million the next. Numbers like that are digestible for the Knicks financially, and at 22-years-old, the young center has plenty of upside moving forward.
Sometimes the best thing for a struggling player is a change of scenery, and perhaps that could be the best thing for Mo Bamba. If the Knicks want to go with a younger and much more affordable option than Andre Drummond at center, Bamba should be their guy.