No NBA team likes to give up on a good young player. Sometimes, they don’t have a choice. This can be a consequence of drafting well. In time, you may not be able to afford the quality young players that you’ve drafted.
The New York Knicks are dealing with those consequences. This team already sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for O.G. Anunoby.
The Knicks surely wanted Anunoby, but they also knew that he’d cost less than Barrett and Quickley combined. The Knicks had to cut some costs.
Now, it seems that they’re likely to continue down that path. The Knicks are rumored to be shopping Quentin Grimes. He’s a quality young player.
Here are three teams that we think ought to take a look at him.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ cap sheet is interesting. They have a lot of players on rookie deals. The Rockets also have Fred VanVleet on a massive contract. Still, that deal only runs for two seasons before the Rockets have a team option.
In other words, the Rockets’ ability to afford Grimes is debatable. Soon, they’ll have to give Alperen Sengun a substantial deal. Will they do the same for Jalen Green?
If Green’s subpar play puts off the Rockets, they could see Grimes as an insurance policy. He’s a lower-usage 3-and-D guard who may be an easier fit alongside the team’s starters.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets won’t have much to offer New York – this would have to be a three-team deal. If that gets too complicated, the Knicks may have to look elsewhere to find a suitor for Grimes.
Could they keep him in the Eastern Conference?
Chicago Bulls
It’s hard to confidently say what the Chicago Bulls will do as the deadline approaches. Their play has improved lately. It still holds that they are a mediocre team who’d likely do better to be sellers.
Acquiring Grimes would make sense either way. That’s a testament to the type of player that Grimes is. He’s a versatile player who can spend time at the 2 or the 3. He’s also young – the Bulls should like Grimes no matter which direction they’re choosing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls Updates
At least, in theory, they should. In practice, it could be difficult for Chicago to make a reasonable offer for Grimes. Like the Rockets, they’d need to find a third team unless willing to part with Alex Caruso.
Is there a team who could trade for Grimes directly?
Atlanta Hawks
A low usage 3-and-D who can play the 2 or the 3. That’s the perfect player to fit alongside a heliocentric playmaker. In other words, Grimes would be a perfect compliment alongside Trae Young.
By contrast, Dejounte Murray has not been. Perhaps that’s why it’s being reported that the Atlanta Hawks are willing to move him. Meanwhile, it’s been rumored that the Knicks could be interested in Murray. Are you thinking what we’re thinking?
This wouldn’t be a straight swap. The Knicks would need to include Evan Fournier’s contract and, likely, some draft consideration.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Still, Grimes could be the centerpiece in the Hawks’ return for Murray. That could be enough to motivate the Knicks to give Grimes up.
