NBA Rumors: Promising Knicks youngsters have reportedly garnered trade interest
The New York Knicks continue to stay quiet and lurk in the shadows as they wait for the right star to trade for. The James Harden-Sixers situation is progressing as New York’s front office has been hoping for, increasing the chances of Joel Embiid possibly asking for a trade.
Unless the Knicks’ time to make a move comes sometime this offseason, New York will enter the 2023-24 season with relatively the same roster as last season’s team. Subtract Obi Toppin and add Donte DiVincenzo. The Knicks could make fans and Evan Fournier happy by trading the shooting guard this summer, whether that be in a trade to offload him or one for a star.
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz (subscription required), a few of New York’s young players have also drawn trade interest. In an effort to identify the three likeliest players to be traded before the February trade deadline, Katz excluded Jericho Sims and Miles McBride because of their low salaries. He added that the Knicks haven’t been open to trading either player.
Other teams have tried to land them as throw-ins before, and the Knicks haven’t been amenable, league sources told The Athletic. They like those two too much just to give them away.
Knicks reportedly haven’t been willing to trade Jericho Sims or Miles McBride
SNY’s Ian Begley reported at the end of June that the Knicks had received calls about Miles McBride, but since then, New York picked up McBride’s team option for 2023-24. Neither he nor Jericho Sims made the cut for Tom Thibodeau’s nine-man rotation last season, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable.
Sims is third on New York’s center depth chart behind Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. With the Knicks not signing a backup power forward after losing Toppin, Sims could get some minutes at the four. His height, hops, and athleticism help him to stand out.
As for McBride, a fan favorite, his tenacity on the defensive end has been a catalyst for New York when he’s come off the bench. His offensive game isn’t up to speed, but like Sims, he’s entering his third season, so there’s still time for him to progress in that department.
It isn’t surprising that opposing teams have inquired about Sims and McBride as throw-ins on deals. The two will make less than $4 million combined next season, with Sims making $1.9 million and McBride making $1.8 million. There’s no way of knowing how the 2023-24 season will play out, but Sims and McBride shouldn’t be on the move.
