Knicks Rumors: Looking For First Round Pick In Kyle O’Quinn Trade

New York Knicks Rumors: The Knicks are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in exchange for center Kyle O’Quinn.

New York Knicksrumors continue to fly around with the NBA Trade Deadline about 24 hours away. Originally all of the rumors revolved aroundCarmelo Anthony. But, with a full no-trade clause, Anthony is unlikely to be traded as he wants to remain in New York. As a result, other players are beginning to garner interest on the trade market.

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Point guardDerrick Rosehas reportedly garnered some interest with the most aggressive team being the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joining Rose on the trade market now is centerKyle O’Quinn.

O’Quinn is arguably the best asset the team has. He has an extremely affordable contract, owed only $8 million through 2019. He is also productive on the court, averaging 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in only 15.3 minutes per game. With the team friendly contract and production to go along with it, it should be no surprise the asking price is high for O’Quinn.

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According toFrank Isola of the Daily News, the Knicks are looking for a first-round pick in return for O’Quinn. Isola cites a team that has spoke to the Knicks in regard to O’Quinn and they said that is what the Knicks are looking for in return.

The center market is full of available names and we have already seen some deals made involving centers already. The Sacramento Kings already shippedDeMarcus Cousinsto the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers swappedJusuf NurkicandMason Plumlee.

In addition to O’Quinn, other centers known to be available areJahlil OkaforandBrook Lopez. With so many players available, and so many already on the move, finding a team that wants O’Quinn will be tough. The Knicks could be hardpressed to find a team that will meet that asking price especially after what the Kings accepted for Cousins.

There is no doubt that O’Quinn is productive, but he is not at the level Cousins is. The Pelicans had to surrender only one first round pick for Cousins. We have already seen a trickle down effect from that deal, as the Brooklyn Netsdropped their asking pricefor Lopez, who many would consider a superior player to O’Quinn.

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While it may be difficult, the Knicks should not change their stance on O’Quinn. He is not a player they have to move, so if they do not receive an offer they feel is appropriate they should hold onto him. He has played well when called upon and withJoakim Noahonce again dealing with injuries, O’Quinn is needed, along withWilly Hernangomez.

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