New York Knicks should look to trade struggling forward Kevin Knox

The New York Knicks are struggling on both sides of the ball this season, and a big trade could change the team’s fortunes immediately.

New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox had a promising rookie season last year and had high hopes for his future. The former Kentucky Wildcats star has been inconsistent this far and quickly found himself in the dog house with head coach David Fizdale.

Fizdale has faced scrutiny publicly this season since the surprise press conference from team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry. The Knicks front office has put pressure ok their head coach to make something happen on the court as the team struggles to begin the year. Fizdale has made an adjustment with his rotation by recently benching Knox in several games due to defensive inefficiency.

Knox has been called out in the past for not being a good defender, and the narrative is highlighted once his offense doesn’t live up to expectations. Wayne Ellington has gotten more minutes lately, and RJ Barrett, when healthy, has also garnered more playing time in Fizdale’s rotation. The Knicks have played well in spurts, but most of the games had Knox watching from the sidelines.

Knox spoke to the New York Post recently about the benching and his motivation to get back in the coaching staff’s good graces.

"“It’s 100 percent new,” Knox said. “Most guys in the NBA their whole life is playing 30 minutes. I was up there (last season). It’s a new year. I have to have the right mindset, my time will come. I just have to be ready for it.”"

"”Not really. He made the decision. I respect it. I’m going to keep working hard and my time will come. Have to stay ready, stay in shape. I have to be the best teammate on the bench, keep cheering my teammates on, high-five them and give them advice. I’m going to keep working and my opportunity will come.”"

The Knicks may want to consider trading Knox by February’s trade deadline especially since the team is floundering to start the season. The value on Knox is still relatively high considering his young age and potential in a new system for another team. The Knicks need to regroup and push the process of building around Barrett with better veteran talent.

The possibility of not having Knox in the team’s future relies heavily on the front office’s belief in Fizdale long term. Fizdale getting fired midseason will probably keep Knox in New York for a longer tenure.