NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Won't Trade Picks, Only Players With Expiring Contracts

The New York Knicks could make a move before the February NBA trade deadline although there are certain restrictions. It appears that New York does not want to deal off any of its first-round picks, meaning any deal may only involve players with expiring deals.

Citing sources, Ian Begley of SNY.tv shared how the Knicks is opposed to sending any future picks in any trade scenario. New York remains committed to keeping its youth movement moving forward. It would be a notable change for them considering they traded their first-round picks in the past for established stars like Carmelo Anthony and Andre Bargnani.

One player that the Knicks have allegedly inquired about is Andre Drummond. The Detroit Pistons center has been the center of trade rumors recently even though 26-year-old revealed that he is no quitter, ESPN reported. Given that the season has not panned out well for them with a disappointing 14-27 win-loss record in the Eastern Conference, there is a growing belief that the two-time NBA All-Star will be dealt away soon.

As far as players that they are open to deal off, it appears the ones with expiring deals are candidates except for Marcus Morris. Among the players mentioned include Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox and/ or Frank Ntilikina. Aside from these young players, dealing away Bobby Portis and Dennis Smith Jr. has been raised in the rumor mill time and again.

As for Morris, the Knicks are happy having him around. Though several teams could come knocking for his services, it was mentioned in a previous post that the 30-year-old is happy being in Gotham. New York is looming to be a special piece in the team's rebuilding efforts - despite the fact that he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Knicks need change and most feel that they will be among the teams busy in the coming weeks. The only question now is who will stay and who will go. Morris and their first-rounders are off the table meaning anyone beyond that could be changing zip codes soon.