Finding a starting point guard has been something the New York Knicks have attempted to do for years. They are hoping that the search comes to an end this NBA offseason, as they are going to pursue an upgrade at the position in the coming weeks.
There has been a lot of discussion about their interest in Jalen Brunson of the Dallas Mavericks, but he may not be attainable. The Knicks would have to engage the Mavericks in sign-and-trade negotiations as currently constructed, but that isn’t something Dallas is reportedly willing to do.
If the Knicks want to sign Brunson outright, they will have to make a trade to clear the cap space as they are currently over the cap. That could prove costly as well, which could lead to them exploring other avenues.
One of those other avenues would be trading for a point guard. There are a few players at the position that could become available, one of them being D’Angelo Russell of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Wolves Trade Lands D’Angelo Russell In New York
Russell is someone that the Timberwolves seem intent on trading this offseason. There are executives around the NBA that believe he could eventually emerge as a target for the Knicks, as shared by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
“As the Knicks work down the list of their point guard options, rival executives have pointed to Minnesota Timberwolves starter D’Angelo Russell as a potential lower-level trade target. New York’s front office recently added former Minnesota president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, who once chased Russell in free agency and later traded Andrew Wiggins to Golden State for the creative point guard.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Wolves Trade Lands D’Angelo Russell In New York
Russell is entering the last year of his contract, so the Knicks could use this as an opportunity to clear some long-term salary, opening their books up to be spenders in 2023. But, only 26-years old, Russell is someone that could become their long-term answer at the position if he plays well.
The Ohio State product knows what it takes to help turn a franchise around, as he helped lead the Brooklyn Nets and Timberwolves back into the postseason after some down seasons. 26-year-old former All-Stars don’t come available too often, so the Knicks should certainly do their due diligence when it comes to acquiring Russell.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Wolves Trade Lands D’Angelo Russell In New York
The price shouldn’t be too steep either, as Minnesota is actively looking to move on from him. This could present a solid buy-low opportunity for the Knicks, who have the pieces to turn things around in the 2022-23 season with a few tweaks here and there.
