NBA Rumors: Knicks Could Still End Up With A Boston Celtic Guard

The New York Knicks were heavy favorites to land Kyrie Irving but it seems that the tide has shifted. The word out right now is that the Brooklyn Nets have the lead on Uncle Drew, meaning the Gotham-based squad will have to find some other target - at least to make sure they don't end up empty-handed. One option could be to study the feasibility of getting Irving's teammate, Terry Rozier.

Before delving into that possibility, a move by Knicks would entirely depend on several factors. One is asking themselves if they should still pursue Kevin Durant who will most likely sit out the entire 2019-20 NBA season due to an Achilles injury. From there, a long-rumored tandem of Durant and Irving could once again be up in the air although something that may only happen by the 2020-21 NBA season at the least.

There are of course other high profile targets like Kemba Walker to consider. The 29-year-old guard's decision will depend on what the Charlotte Hornets will be offering him. If talks fail, that may only be the time where the 9th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft will test the waters. At least two teams are interested in the three-time NBA All-Star's services - the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Of the Lakers and the Celtics, the latter reportedly has the inside track. But for the Bean Town squad to snag the services of Walker, they would have to give up some assets. And the player most likely to be sent off is Terry Rozier, NBC Sports reported. So as most can see, everything seems to be intertwined and focus will be on the players that would be left available. Easily, the dominoes will fall only after Irving makes up his mind on where to go. So far, that honor belongs to the Nets, Yahoo Sports suggested.

Since last NBA season, Rozier had expressed that he would likely test free agency since he was uneasy playing behind Irving and other Celtics guards. With Irving out of the mix soon, it seems that his stance has unlikely changed and several teams could check him out and give him the opportunity to fully share what he can really do. The Knicks could give him that chance.

Checking out his numbers, Rozier averaged 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game for the Celtics last NBA season. He also shot 38.7-percent from the field, 35.3-percent from the three-point region and is 78.5-percent from the stripe. He could improve on those stats with the right team that gives him ample playing time starting next season.