NBA Rumors: New York Gets D'Angelo Russel; Golden State Lands Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina

Luring a superstar could be a long shot for the New York Knicks. During the pre-season, free agency was stacked with star power – Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson, etc. – but none of them found their way to the Big Apple.

After letting go of Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder and sending emerging star Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, no high-profiled baller played to the Knicks.

But that could change now.

Reports from Fansided says the Knicks may finally get their hands on an All-Star caliber player if they make a deal from last season’s runner-up Golden State Warriors for D’Angelo Russell. Where will he fit into the system once their injured stars return is some of the questions that are looming right now?

Orlando Magic trading for Markelle Fultz is already paying off as the former top selection is already showing what made him the 2017 number one pick out of University of Washington – and that is exactly what the Warriors is trying to do by getting New York’s first-rounders in return, especially that they are not making use of their young players a lot.

Golden State getting both Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina could give the young players a new start out of New York should the trade comes to fruition. Knox, 6-foot-9, is only 18 years old when he was drafted ninth overall out of University of Kentucky last season and can spread the floor well with his inside-outside game but the former Wildcat isn’t getting the playing time – only 18 minutes a game compared to almost 30 minutes his rookie season with averages of 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per outing this season.

Ntilikina has never been an offensive threat but is slowly getting the hearts of the Knicks fans with his defense. Drafted eighth overall two seasons ago, the French guard is only averaging 5.9 points per game but knowing the offense that the Warriors has once the stars returns, Ntilikina can be the anchor on other aspects of the game like Draymond Green.

D-Lo’s playing time won’t be compromised – unlike the possibility of having it cut once Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson return from their respective injuries – as he will be the face of the Knicks once he finds his way to Manhattan. His 23.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds a game is an absolute boost for New York.

Knox and Ntilikina may just need new scenery and better situation to have their talents maximized and with Golden State, nobody will interfere the Splash Brothers spot for both have embraced their respective roles and their calling card fits well in Steve Kerr’s directory.