New York Knicks: Making a case for 3 rumored NBA trade deadline targets

Third rumored trade target for the New York Knicks: Victor Oladipo, Houston Rockets

Marc Berman has been on top of all of the New York Knicks’ trade rumors, recently reporting that the Knicks are “monitoring the situations” of both Victor Oladipo and Bradley Beal. While Beal seems destined to stay put in Washington, Oladipo could be a feasible option for New York.

The Knicks have been in the hunt for more star power on offense this season, and Oladipo certainly fits the bill in some regard. However, after being traded to the Houston Rockets in the blockbuster James Harden deal in January, the two-time All-Star has struggled to regain his footing.

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In 15 games with the franchise, the guard is averaging 19.9 points on subpar efficiency, shooting just 38.7 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from behind the arc. Both shooting percentages are career lows for the 28-year-old as he finds himself in and out of the lineup due to injury. Oladipo had played just 55 regular season games in the previous two years battling through a ruptured quad tendon, so his struggles this season should come as much of a surprise.

As he continues trying to work his way back to his All-Star form, rumors have been brewing that Houston could be willing to move him for the right price. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Oladipo recently turned down a two-year extension with the Rockets worth $45.2 million, and he could be looking to make big money this summer. The Rockets might look to get him off the books while his value is somewhat high, and several teams will be interested.

The Knicks have the flexibility to trade for him and potentially re-sign him this during free agency, and they could use the boost offensively without question. With the 23rd best offensive rating in the association, a player like Oladipo could potentially help New York get the ship running more smoothly.

On top of that, he is a stellar defender at the guard position, something that head coach Tom Thibodeau undoubtedly likes to hear. Many teams seem unwilling to take the risk with Oladipo, but the Knicks should take the gamble at the NBA trade deadline to bring another star to the Big Apple in their pursuit of the playoffs.