Why The New York Knicks Should Pursue Caris LeVert
The New York Knicks know it will be difficult pulling off a trade for a big difference-maker, such as Damian Lillard, in season. But, it is clear they still need to upgrade the roster and Caris LeVert would present them a chance to do that.
Acquiring players to play in New York is always a risk because you never know how they will handle the spotlight. While not the same, LeVert has played in the city before as he began his career with the Brooklyn Nets and handled it well.
His skill set would fit in well with the Knicks. He is a solid playmaker, averaging 3.9 assists per game in his career. While not the most athletic or explosive player, he is a savvy scorer that can get to his spots with ease, something the Knicks have seen firsthand this season against the Indiana Pacers.
Ideally, LeVert would step into the lineup for Evan Fournier. He would provide an impact offensively, albeit not as much as a spot-up shooter, but also help the team defensively. Fournier has been a sieve defensively all season and it has hurt the team on numerous occasions. Seeing his role shrink could help get the Knicks back on track.
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LeVert has a net rating of +4.9 on the season with an offensive rating of 111.8 and a defensive rating of 104. Fournier, on the other hand, has a net rating of -6.1, with an offensive rating of 105.9 and a defensive rating of 112.
Having a player such as LeVert capable of stepping right into that role, as Tom Thibodeau seems hesitant to move rookie Quentin Grimes into a more prominent role, would help the team immensely.
New York would love to move off of Fournier’s contract, but that is unlikely in a deal for LeVert. If the Knicks somehow convinced Indiana to also part ways with someone such as Myles Turner, Fournier could be involved.
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The Knicks have multiple first-round picks and young players they can build a package around to land Caris LeVert. The price should be a reasonable one, as Indiana knows that LeVert’s injury history is a big red flag and knocks down the price they can set on acquiring him.
