NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Linked To Starting Guard, Center Before 2022 Draft

The New York Knicks appear to have interest in some notable names after a disappointing 2021-22 season. Adding an impactful starting point guard through the upcoming NBA Draft, free agency or a trade appears to be the team’s top priority.

The Knicks have been linked to Jalen Brunson, but it seems increasingly unlikely that New York will be able to pry the guard away from the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. According to the latest rumors, the Knicks might instead look to the Indiana Pacers, which are preparing to unload some of their best veteran players.

New York has been linked to Malcolm Brogdon, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. Brogdon is viewed as a possible option for the Knicks if they can’t land Brunson or a top guard in the draft.

The Knicks are reportedly interested in moving up from the No. 11 pick in the draft to select Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, who is projected to be selected by the fifth pick

Brogdon would be an upgrade for the Knicks and provide the team with a steady presence at point guard. The veteran averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game for Indiana this past season. In three seasons with Indiana, Brogdon is averaging 6.3 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.

In those three seasons, Brogdon played in just 146 of 230 games. The 29-year-old was limited to 36 games in 2021-22 with a bulk of his missed game due to Achilles pain.

Brogdon has one year and $22.6 million left on his contract. The veteran is a logical trade piece for the Pacers, which could overhaul the roster after dealing Domantas Sabonis before the trade deadline.

Myles Turner will likely be traded if Indiana commits to rebuilding the roster. The center will make $17.5 million in the final year of his contract and is often the subject of trade rumors.

The Knicks reportedly showed interest in Turner at the trade deadline in February. There has been speculation that Turner could be sent to the Phoenix Suns as part of a sign-and-trade for Deandre Ayton. The Charlotte Hornets are another possible destination for Turner.

Any pursuit of Turner would be dependent on the Knicks' interest in retaining Mitchell Robinson. Robinson, 24, is set to become a free agent this summer after averaging 8.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for New York.

Robinson set career highs with 72 games and 76.1% field-goal shooting in the regular season. The Chicago Bulls are interested in signing Robinson, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.

The Knicks missed the 2022 playoffs with a 37-45 record. New York made the playoffs in 2021 for the first time in eight years.