The 2021-22 NBA season has been a disappointing one for the New York Knicks. Many people expected there to be some regression after an excellent 2020-21 season resulted in them earning the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. But, to be as far under the .500 mark as they are now, is a little surprising.
New York is currently 24-31 on the season, losing 10 of their last 12 games. They were right in the thick of the playoff race before this slide, as they will now likely be fighting it out for one of the last two spots in the NBA Play-In Tournament. But, to even secure a spot there, the team has plenty of work to do.
The Knicks are four games behind the ninth-place Charlotte Hornets, who are actively looking for upgrades ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline. The Knicks should be doing the same, as they need to upgrade the point guard position.
There have been a few trades completed already, one of which had to be disappointing for New York Knicks fans. The Sacramento Kings trading Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in a deal for Domantas Sabonis was a gut-punch after there had been reports of New York being interested in De’Aaron Fox, who is likely staying put now.
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Another trade target that emerged for New York was CJ McCollum. Alas, he was also traded, as he will be going from the Portland Trail Blazers to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite some of their targets no longer being available, Leon Rose should still be working the phones. The team needs to alleviate its logjam on the wing and upgrade the point guard spot. One player to keep an eye on as a potential trade target is Goran Dragic of the Toronto Raptors.
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Dragic has been away from the Raptors for a while, but photos and video have begun popping up of him working out with players on the Miami Heat. So, he is at least keeping in shape while away from the team.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Knicks could jump in the mix for the veteran point guard who is available.
“Can Toronto get something for Goran Dragic? Dragic’s value is in his $19.4 million expiring contract, and the Raptors have shown a willingness to attach draft capital to it in the right deal. Dallas has long had an interest in Dragic while New York, in need of more playmaking, could jump in the mix. Raps GM Bobby Webster called Dragic “a unique piece” this week and Toronto, riding a six-game winning streak, badly needs reliable bench help to reinforce an overworked starting lineup.”
Dragic could find himself in a starting role in New York as Kemba Walker has played poorly and Derrick Rose continues to recover from ankle surgery. Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks have tried to fill the void at the point guard spot but they are not cut out to be lead ball-handlers.
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While not as explosive as he once was now that he is 35 going on 36-years old, Goran Dragic showed last season with the Heat he can still provide some solid production when need be. The New York Knicks could certainly use his playmaking and shot creation as he would likely be a sizable upgrade on Walker at this point.
