The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking to further improve with them potentially targeting a Charlotte Hornets center.
The Knicks have previously been linked to Nick Richards, but with them starting to click on both sides of the ball, the need for a center was lessened. However, their starting center, Mitchell Robinson, doesn't appear close to returning despite his season debut previously having been set for January.
However, if they are able to work out a trade to acquire Richards, then they would bolster their biggest area of need. Which is in the front court. While Karl-Anthony Towns has thrived playing with the Knicks, there is concern that he may not be an effective stopper come playoff time when teams can hone in and try to exploit his defensive weaknesses.
Richard is having a strong season, but he is currently backing up Mark Williams and doesn't appear to have a future in Charlotte. As a result, the Hornets could look to move on from Richards and get the best possible deal for him. While teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers may also be interested in acquiring Richard, the Knicks could orchestrate a deal to land him instead.
Particularly if they don't have much faith that Robinson will return soon. The Knicks might be able to work out a three-team deal where they send Robinson to another team while that team sends assets to the Hornets. In exchange, the Knicks would receive Richards to replace Robinson.
Will the New York Knicks trade for Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards?
With Richard having a strong season and making only a combined $10 million over this season and next year, he would be a cheap option at center. That makes him an attractive trade target for playoff teams. With a good trade market for Richards, the Hornets can afford to be picky with their asking price.
Even so, he likely won't net them a first-round pick, but he could fetch at least two decent second-rounders. The Knicks still have several picks and could construct a trade that would allow them to match salaries in a deal for Richards without having to give up Robinson.
However, having both Towns, Robinson, and Richards seems redundant, but that depends heavily on whether Robinson will be healthy at some point this season. The Knicks can't afford to risk it and should trade for Richards.