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

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Rumors: The Knicks are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in exchange for center Kyle O’Quinn.

New York Knicks rumors continue to fly around with the NBA Trade Deadline about 24 hours away. Originally all of the rumors revolved around Carmelo 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 guard Derrick Rose has reportedly garnered some interest with the most aggressive team being the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joining Rose on the trade market now is center Kyle 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 to Frank 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 shipped DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers swapped Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee.

In addition to O’Quinn, other centers known to be available are Jahlil Okafor and Brook 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 Nets dropped their asking price for 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 with Joakim Noah once again dealing with injuries, O’Quinn is needed, along with Willy Hernangomez.

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