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New York Knicks: 3 trade deadline moves they should’ve made

By Orestis Rantis

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: Kevin Knox II #20 and Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks react following a play during the second quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: Kevin Knox II #20 and Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks react following a play during the second quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
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No. 2: The Knicks should’ve waived Elfrid Payton

Maybe this is some “glass-half-full” kind of thinking, but realistically the New York Knicks can still waive Elfrid Payton and get rid of the one player that has been upsetting Knicks fans all season long.

Elfrid Payton is not the future of the team when it comes to point guards. Immanuel Quickley is. Elfrid Payton is not even the present of the team when it comes to point guards. Derrick Rose is.

Call it constructive criticism, but at this point, Elfrid Payton is basically a starter for a team that’s trying to make a playoff push, all while lacking basic scoring, playmaking and shooting skills. With the aforementioned duo available for use, plus the almighty defense of Frank Ntilikina, it seems like Payton’s minutes are better off elsewhere.

One of the rumors that have been surrounding the team on a daily basis prior to the Trade Deadline, was the one of Lonzo Ball being monitored by the Knicks. As a result, we can safely say that the organization is not happy with Payton starting.

The days went by and Lonzo is still with the New Orleans Pelicans. With the Knicks being stuck with Payton, why not try and build from within? Rose’s experience is beyond valuable for this young team and Quickley is making a serious case for being the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Julius Randle has been having a spectacular season, earning his first All-Star nod. He is a born scorer with a knack for playmaking that likes to control the tempo and construct the team’s offense by getting everyone involved. Payton is, well, not that.

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