NBA Trades: 3 players the New York Knicks should trade for

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 29: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots a free throw against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of the NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on April 29, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan, NBA Trades: 3 players the New York Knicks should trade for. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

After a devastating loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the New York Knicks fell back down to .500 with a record of 22-22, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference

While the Knicks have a similar record to what they had last season, their place in the standings is very different, as multiple teams in the Eastern Conference made massive improvements this season. Just look at the Cavs, Raptors, and Hornets.

While the Knicks made big-time improvements on paper during the offseason, these improvements have not really panned out. Evan Fournier, for the most, has been disappointing, as has Kemba Walker. Walker has been solid at times but has missed the last eight games due to a knee injury.

With the trade deadline coming up soon (Feb. 10th) it is likely that the Knicks will make a couple of NBA trades to attempt to improve upon what they already have. Here are three players the Knicks should attempt to trade for in order to help their playoff odds.

NBA Trades: 3 players the New York Knicks should trade for – Jalen Brunson

This is a trade I know my fellow Knicks fans want.

As an avid user of Twitter, and also a part of Knicks Twitter, I have seen several Knicks fans wish for a Jalen Brunson trade – and it makes a lot of sense.

In 42 games played this season, Jalen Brunson has averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from three. These numbers are easily better than any of the numbers put up by the Knicks’ current starting and bench guards.

Plus, he averages 5.6 assists to only 1.6 turnovers.

With Brunson being on an expiring contract, and considering the Mavericks’ current cap space situation, there is a good chance they decide to move on from the 25-year-old guard.

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Jalen Brunson is looking for a four-year, $80M contract this offseason. This may seem like a lot, but for what Brunson would bring to the table for the Knicks, the contract would likely be worth it.

Jalen Brunson brings something to the Knicks that they have not had in a long time – consistent scoring from the guard position. He’s only had five games in which he’s scored less than 10 points and only 12 games in which he shot below 45%percent.

To put this into perspective, all of the Knicks’ current guards, outside of Derrick Rose (who hasn’t played in the last 14 games,)are shooting 42 percent or worse from the field.

While it is unknown what the Mavericks may want for Brunson, it is likely the Knicks will give up one of their guards to make space for Brunson, whether it be Fournier, Alec Burks, or Walker. The Knicks will likely need to surrender a pick of theirs to make the trade work better for the Mavericks, too.

Brunson is a player that would seriously help the Knicks offense, providing consistent scoring and solid playmaking.

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