Knicks Trade Rumors: Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Veterans Available At 2022 Deadline
In the midst of a disappointing season, the New York Knicks are prepared to shake up the roster. The team is reportedly willing to move some of their veterans at the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
The Knicks have discussed trading Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier and Alec Burks, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. New York is looking to create more playing time for Cam Reddish, whom the team acquired from the Atlanta Hawks two weeks ago.
Reddish has only played 15 minutes for the Knicks. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 11.9 points per game on 37.9% three-point shooting in 34 games with the Hawks.
With a 23-26 record through 49 games, New York is the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference. Less than two weeks away from the Feb. 10 trade deadline, the Knicks aren’t even in the play-in tournament field. After going 41-31 as the East’s No. 4 seed last season, New York is one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams.
Fournier has not lived up to expectations in the first season of a $73 million free-agent contract. The veteran’s 13.4 points per game on 41.6% shooting are his worst numbers in seven years. Despite being a full-time starter, Fournier has found himself on the bench in many fourth quarters of games that are undecided.
Walker is fourth on the team with 13.0 points per game. The point guard has started in all 28 of his games, but Walker has missed time because of knee injuries and being benched for his defensive shortcomings.
Burks has started 20 of his 48 games, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Burks provided the Knicks with a spark when he first took Walker’s place in the starting lineup. The 30-year-old has struggled in January, averaging 8.5 points per game on 29.2% shooting.
The additions of Fournier and Walker were supposed to improve the Knicks' offense. Instead, New York has gone from 22nd in offensive efficiency last season to 24th this season.
Given Walker's knee issues and Fournier's contract, neither player is likely to have much trade value.
Julius Randle’s numbers are down significantly from last year’s All-NBA season. The forward has gone from averaging 24.1 points on 45.6% shooting to 18.7 points per game on 41.2% shooting. Randle doesn’t seem likely to be traded by the deadline.
The Knicks are 14th in defensive rating. Only three teams had a better defensive rating than New York in the 2020-2021 season.
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