Hoops Wire

Category: Knicks

Latest New York Knicks Rumors and News.

  • Knicks’ loss to Thunder another painful reminder that they drafted Kevin Knox over SGA

    Knicks’ loss to Thunder another painful reminder that they drafted Kevin Knox over SGA

    Last year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an All-NBA first-teamer. He may be even better this season.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is defended by Josh Hart.

    Meanwhile, forward Kevin Knox has become an NBA journeyman and is now in his second stint with the Pistons.

    Back in 2018, Knox was drafted by the Knicks with the No. 9 overall pick. Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th by the Hornets, who immediately traded him to the Clippers.

    Serving as a reminder of all this was the Knicks’ 129-120 loss to Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder on Wednesday night. SGA was again brilliant, scoring 36 points.

    Stefan Bondy of the New York Post revisited the Knicks’ 2018 draft decision in an insider-only piece.

    “The Knicks really messed up — and I mean really messed up – by drafting Kevin Knox in 2018,” Bondy wrote. “It isn’t talked about as frequently as the 2017 flub when they passed on (Donovan Mitchell) for Frank Ntilikina, but bypassing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is more egregious.

    “First of all, Knox and Gilgeous-Alexander went to the same school (Kentucky), so Scott Perry and Steve Mills must have been watching these two players on the same scouting tapes and concluded, ‘You know what, that Kevin Knox will be a better NBA player.’”

    Granted, the Knicks are doing just fine most nights and have a heck of a guard themselves in Jalen Brunson. But you can’t help but wonder what would have transpired — and what the future might look like — if they had picked Gilgeous-Alexander.

  • Knicks express trade interest in Hawks’ Dejounte Murray

    Knicks express trade interest in Hawks’ Dejounte Murray

    The Knicks are looking for another scorer, and as we relayed, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is believed to be available.Dejounte Murray

    Well, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks have indeed expressed “exploratory interest” in Murray. Makes sense. It’s hard to know how far the Knicks can go as currently constructed. But if they could add another borderline All-Star to the likes of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle … well, that could be something.

    Meanwhile, the Hawks are very open to moving just about anyone not named Trae Young, as they seem to be spinning their wheels and headed nowhere at the moment. That can always change, of course. There’s plenty of season left. But it never hurts to try to make immediate improvements.

    As we relayed before, there could be a hang-up should the Knicks decide to seriously pursue Murray.

    Murray is represented by power agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. You know Paul’s name because his client list also includes the likes of LeBron James, Draymond Green and Anthony Davis, among many others.

    Meanwhile, the Knicks are headed by team president Leon Rose, a former CAA agent, and William Wesley, a.k.a. World Wide Wes, a Rose crony and New York’s executive VP.

    Apparently, Paul is hesitant to do business with the Knicks. Here is what Ian Begley of SNY.tv wrote:

    “Moving Dejounte Murray would be a seismic shift for Atlanta. And it would surely require several first-round picks and young, ascending players. The Knicks can put that kind of package together. But for New York, there is an additional hurdle in a potential Murray trade. Murray is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group. The New York Daily News reported in 2022 that Klutch opposed a trade of client Zach LaVine to the Knicks.

    “That dynamic is still present today. I’m told that Paul remains reluctant to do business with the Knicks, who are led by team president Leon Rose and executive vice president William Wesley. Rose and Wesley were both top agents at CAA before they took over the Knicks.”

    The Lakers, of course, have also been linked to Murray and the LaVine.

  • Knicks have played on Christmas a record 56 times; Hornets not once

    Knicks have played on Christmas a record 56 times; Hornets not once

    If you love Christmas and you love the Knicks, then you get a special present just about every year.Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle slap hands

    That’s because the Knicks have played on Christmas Day a record 56 times since their inception in 1946. That includes the very first NBA Christmas game, on Dec. 25., 1947, when they beat the Providence Steamrollers by an 89-75 count.

    Speaking of the Steamrollers, they appeared in a Christmas Day game, but the Charlotte Hornets have not. The Hornets remain the only modern team to have never played on Christmas. That said, what have they ever really done to warrant an appearance?

    Anyway, the Knicks not only are the NBA leaders in Christmas Day games, but they may lead any team in any sport anywhere in the category.

    Fittingly, a former Knick holds the record for most points in Christmas Day game — and that would be none other than Bernard King, who erupted for 60 against the New Jersey Nets. King remains among the most underrated players ever and it remains an absolute basketball travesty that he was left off the NBA’s top 75 list in favor of the likes of Dennis Rodman and Damian Lillard.

    So bah humbug to that. But Merry Christmas once again, Knicks fans. And sorry Hornets fans, but this year, you’re again getting coal.

  • Do Rich Paul, Klutch not want to talk Dejounte Murray with World Wide Wes, Knicks?

    Do Rich Paul, Klutch not want to talk Dejounte Murray with World Wide Wes, Knicks?

    Some have reported that the Knicks have an interest in Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. And a trade for Murray would make sense, given that the Knicks are said to be seeking upgrades. Or specifically, another backcourt scorer.Dejounte Murray

    Along with that, the Hawks may be willing to move on from Murray, given that he and Trae Young have yet to make a real difference — with Atlanta being one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams.

    But a trade of Murray to the Knicks may not be so simple, as detailed by Ian Begley of SNY.tv. 

    Murray is represented by power agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. You know Paul’s name because his client list also includes the likes of LeBron James, Draymond Green and Anthony Davis, among many others.

    Meanwhile, the Knicks are headed by team president Leon Rose, a former CAA agent, and William Wesley, a.k.a. World Wide Wes, a Rose crony and New York’s executive VP.

    Apparently, Paul is hesitant to do business with the Knicks. Here is what Begley wrote:

    “Moving Dejounte Murray would be a seismic shift for Atlanta. And it would surely require several first-round picks and young, ascending players. The Knicks can put that kind of package together. But for New York, there is an additional hurdle in a potential Murray trade. Murray is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group. The New York Daily News reported in 2022 that Klutch opposed a trade of client Zach LaVine to the Knicks.

    “That dynamic is still present today. I’m told that Paul remains reluctant to do business with the Knicks, who are led by team president Leon Rose and executive vice president William Wesley. Rose and Wesley were both top agents at CAA before they took over the Knicks.”

    So could that keep the Knicks from getting Murray if they are indeed interested? Not necessarily.

    “Whatever the reasons are, there is a potential path forward for both the Knicks and Klutch,” Begley wrote. “I’m told that Klutch would consider changing its current stance if there is an in-person meeting between Paul and the Knicks, presumably including Rose and Wesley. Until and unless the two sides meet in person, the Klutch-Knicks Cold War will remain in place.”

    Interesting. But if I’m the Knicks, I’m not getting outside my comfort zone for Murray. He’s a good guy and a really nice player, but clearly not the type of guy who will put you over the top. He was brought to the Hawks for that very reason, and they’ve actually gone in the other direction.

  • Josh Hart after Knicks blasted at home: ‘You can’t be so consumed with stats’

    Josh Hart after Knicks blasted at home: ‘You can’t be so consumed with stats’

    For the most part, the Knicks have looked pretty good this season. That is, unless they’re playing the Bucks.Josh Hart

    Another example of that came Saturday, when the Knicks were hammered by a 130-111 count at Madison Square Garden. It marked their second blowout loss to Milwaukee this month.

    The latest loss also wasted a 36-point effort from guard Jalen Brunson. But when you lose, you may as well score 0, because that’s what you’re putting up in the win column.

    Just ask Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart.

    “Stats don’t really mean s–t when we’re losing,” Hart said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “You can’t play for stats, you can’t be so consumed with stats. And obviously we’re in New York. You’re going to be talked about. You’re going to be talked about well when you have good stats. When you have bad stats, you’re going to be talked about badly. But at the end of the day, you can’t play for stats.”

    Hart likely wasn’t talking about Brunson. He may have been defending RJ Barrett, who went just 5-of-17 from the field. As Bondy noted, Barrett is making just 20.8 percent of his 3-pointers over the past six games.

    On the bright side, the Knicks (16-12) have still won half of their last 10 and aren’t falling too behind the Eastern Conference leaders.

    On the not-so-bright-side, they have to play the Bucks again on Christmas Day.

  • Knicks waive Jaylen Martin, sign Dmytro Skapintsev to two-way deal

    Knicks waive Jaylen Martin, sign Dmytro Skapintsev to two-way deal

    The Knicks have waived two-way rookie forward Jaylen Martin and are signing center Dmytro Skapintse to fill the void, the team announced.Jaylen Martin

    With the injuries to Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims, New York is seeking help and depth in the frontcourt. Skapintse, 25, is 7-foot-1 and has been playing for Westchester of the G League, so he at least can offer a big body.

    Beyond that, though, the Knicks may want to turn to a veteran, as Robinson is out for the season.

    Martin, 19, is 6-foot-6 and has yet to appear in an NBA game. He very well could remain with the Westchester Knicks in the event no one else signs him. 

    Martin averaged 9.7 points in 16 Showcase Cup games with Westchester.

  • East Notes: Sixers, Joel Embiid, Pacers, Knicks

    East Notes: Sixers, Joel Embiid, Pacers, Knicks

    76ers

    All-Star center Joel Embiid is averaging 38.3 points over the last 12 games, including a season-high 51 in Wednesday’s home win over the Timberwolves.Joel Embiid

    “I felt like I was playing within the offense and not forcing anything,” said Embiid, who has scored 40 or more in four of his last five games. “I took what was being given to me. And I’ve been trying to figure out is when to be aggressive and when to let my teammates do their thing.”

    All of it has the Sixers inching toward the top of the Eastern Conference.

    “We’re winning and that’s all that matters,” Embiid said. “Stats are great and it’s great to put up stats. But if it comes with a loss, then that’s a different story. If it comes with a win, it means a lot.”

    • Coach Nick Nurse on Embiid: “He’s continuing to get better and he’s just doing enough different things rhythmically to keep those guys guessing. He has a feel that if guys step into him, he can get them. And I like when he goes downhill.”
    • In case you missed it, the Sixers are reportedly monitoring Bulls guard Zach LaVine and Raptors forward OG Anunoby as possible trade candidates. We have that full story here.

    Pacers

    The Pacers snapped a four-game skid in beating the Hornets on Wednesday, their first win since advancing to the In-Season Tournament title game.

    “Our offense looked better,” point guard Tyrese Haliburton told reporters. “We got a lot of good looks. I thought we went back to the basics on a lot of stuff (in practice), and it helped. A good win for us. Just figured out a way to win.”

    • Added shooting guard Buddy Hield: “Winning cures a lot. Everybody’s relieved. Coming off the high of the in-season tournament, we rode the storm (out). (Thursday night at Memphis) we have another storm to weather. Ja Morant is back.”

    Knicks

    The Knicks beat the Nets at the Barclays Center for the first time in four years on Wednesday, with Julius Randle (26 points) leading the way.

    “Everything’s back to normal I guess,” Randle told reporters.

    • Like the Nets, the Knicks were returning from a long trip out West. They went 2-2 on that trip. “When they tell us the ball’s going up at this time, we’re ready,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.
    • The Knicks are likely on the lookout for another center after it was announced that Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is out for the season. Jericho Sims, who started each of the last five games, is now also out for about two months after spraining his ankle.
  • Knicks signing Taj Gibson after waiving Dylan Windler

    Knicks signing Taj Gibson after waiving Dylan Windler

    The Knicks needed some help in the middle, and right away. After all, starting center Mitchell Robinson will miss at least a couple of months after undergoing surgery on his right ankle. Taj Gibson

    So it appears the Knicks will return to an old friend and grizzled veteran in center/forward Taj Gibson. According to his agency, Priority Sports, Gibson is signing with the Knicks. It is believed to be a deal for the rest of the season for the veteran’s minimum. The move has not yet been announced.

    In order to make room for Gibson, the Knicks waived guard Dylan Windler, as we relayed in the full post here. Windler had his two-way contract converted to a standard deal at the start of the season, but still spent plenty of time with the G League club. He appeared in just three games with New York.

    Gibson, 38, is 6-foot-9 and was waived by the Wizards in October. He played for the Knicks from 2019-22 — and has appeared in 945 career games overall, including runs with the Bulls, Thunder and Timberwolves as well.

    Last season, Gibson appeared in 49 games with Washington and averaged 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds.

     

  • Knicks have been ‘preparing with assets’ to make big trade

    Knicks have been ‘preparing with assets’ to make big trade

    Things aren’t too bad with the New York Knicks and they’re not feeling desperate. But they’ve reportedly made it known they’re on the lookout for a star-type player that could get them to another level.Isaac Okoro defends Jalen Brunson

    At what cost, though? That remains the question.

    According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks are looking to move closer to the top of the Eastern Conference by swinging a bigger deal. If not this season, then this summer.

    “The Knicks have been preparing themselves with draft assets and the development of young players to make the kind of big trade necessary to move into the elite of the Eastern Conference and NBA,” Wojnarowski wrote during his weekly Wednesday chat on Threads, the Twitter-like platform from Instagram.

    “I don’t think they feel a need to force that at the trade deadline, but I do think they’re anxious to find that deal by the offseason.”

    Entering Wednesday night, the Knicks (13-9) sit in third place in the Atlantic Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. That changes daily, though, as the race is tight and likely to stay that way.

    For now, they are relying on the likes of Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett to advance further than the second round of the playoffs, a feat achieved last season. They look about the same this year.

    Will New York do anything to put itself up there with the Bostons and Milwaukees of the world? Well, it seems as if, yes, the Knicks will at least try.

  • Knicks waive Dylan Windler

    Knicks waive Dylan Windler

    There Dylan Windler era has reached an end in New York.Dylan Windler

    Per a team press release, the Knicks have waived the guard/forward and former first-round pick after just a few months with the team. 

    Windler signed a two-way contract with the Knicks over the summer, then had it converted to a standard contract earlier this season.

    Since then he has bounced around between the parent club and Westchester Knicks of the G League. He appeared in just three games with New York.

    The Cavaliers selected Windler with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft but did not extend a qualifying offer at the end of last season. That sent Windler into free agency, where he signed with New York.

    He normally wouldn’t have been eligible for a two-way deal, given that he’s been in the NBA for four years. But Windler missed his entire rookie year, so he’s actually only in Year No. 4 now.

    Players are only eligible for two-way contracts if they’ve played in three seasons or less.

    Windler appeared in just 86 games over his first four seasons, with injuries being the name of the game for him with the Cavs. Interestingly, he was known as a bit of an ironman as an amateur, missing just one game between high school and four years of college at Belmont.

    After missing all of his rookie year, Windler bounced back to average a career-high 5.2 points in his second season, showing flashes of promise. But given how little he’s been able to stay on the floor since, it wouldn’t have made sense for the Cavs to issue the $5 million qualifying offer this past summer.

  • Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson expected to miss 8-to-10 weeks after ankle surgery

    Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson expected to miss 8-to-10 weeks after ankle surgery

    New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will be re-evaluated in eight-to-10 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left ankle, the team announced.Mitchell Robinson

    Robinson, 25, is 7-foot-0 and is averaging 6.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in 21 games. He is also the team’s top shot-blocking presence.

    So it’s obviously a big blow to the Knicks, who enter Monday night at 12-9 and in a tie for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with the rival Brooklyn Nets.

    As we relayed previously, the Knicks have been calling around and letting opposing teams know they’re on the lookout for a star. It’s not known if the Robinson will speed up — or hinder — that process.

    Without Robinson, the Knicks will have to rely more heavily on backup centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims.

  • East Rumors: Knicks, Pacers, Bojan Bogdanovic, Pacers

    East Rumors: Knicks, Pacers, Bojan Bogdanovic, Pacers

    Knicks

    Forward RJ Barrett implied he doesn’t think the Knicks are desperate to trade for a star, as has been rumored.

    “First, we were never going to be good. Now, we’re good, and now, we’re not good enough,” Barrett said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “I think we do, for not having the best player, we do very well for ourselves.”

    • The Knicks have indeed told other teams they’re looking for a star player, per Fred Katz of The Athletic. “(But) they also don’t expect one to become available in the middle of the season,” Katz wrote.
    • In case you missed it, we have more on the Knicks’ reported desire to land a star player right here.
    • New York “checked in” on Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns earlier in the season, but did not make any sort of trade offer, per Katz.
    • Finally, the Knicks have not expressed trade interest in Bulls guard Zach LaVine or wing DeMar DeRozan, Katz reported.

    Pistons

    • Just like last season, the Pistons appear to be seeking the sun, the moon and the stars (and perhaps an extra planet or two) for small forward Bojan Bogdanovic.
    • More specifically, Katz wrote: “The situation with Bogdanovic is akin to the one with Jerami Grant from a couple of seasons ago, when Grant had two years remaining on his contract and Detroit held onto him despite its losing record. The Pistons eventually flipped Grant for a late first-round pick once the rangy forward was in the final year of his deal. Bogdanovic makes $20 million this season and is non-guaranteed for $19 million in 2024-25.”
    • Detroit has no “immediate plans” to trade Bogdanovic, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. 

    Pacers

    The Pacers have been one of the league’s hottest teams, advancing all the way to the first In-Season Tournament title game. But they may not view themselves as a finished product.

    Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, they would still like to find a “big, athletic two-way wing” to pair alongside star point Tyrese Haliburton.

    “(The Pacers) are willing to give up picks and assets, because we believe we will be able to re-sign that player. They’re not going to lose him in free agency,” Wojnarowski said.

    • The Pacers enter the championship game on Saturday night at 6-0 in the In-season Tournament, and 6-8 in all other games. More on their run here.
  • East Rumors: Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Bulls, Knicks

    East Rumors: Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Bulls, Knicks

    Pistons

    For now, the Pistons seemingly intend to hang on to guard/forward Bojan Bogdanovic, the main veteran on the struggling young team.Bojan Bogdanovic

    That’s despite the fact Bogdanovic is sure to draw trade interest ahead of the February deadline — particularly from contenders.

    “Detroit has no immediate plans to trade Bogdanovic, according to people familiar with the organization’s thinking,” wrote Ian Begley of SNY.tv. “The hope is that a healthy Bogdanovic can help Detroit win some games, according to those people.”

    Bulls

    Guard Zach LaVine is expected to miss at least four weeks with a right foot injury, but will likely remain at the center of trade rumors the entire time.

    He implied that he understands that when speaking with reporters on Thursday. “It’s part of the business,” he told reporters, via Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.

    But he also indicated he has no strong desire to move on from the Bulls — who have won three straight in his absence.

    “Am I still a part of this team and very committed? Yeah. I’ve got a Bulls jersey on and I’m committed here,’ he said. “For as long as I’ll be here I’ll still support and love Chicago.”

    • LaVine is aware that the Bulls attempted to trade him during the offseason, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Some are even speculating that LaVine has played his last game as a member of the Bulls, Johnson added.
    • As we relayed here, the Bulls seemingly do not have any intention of trading guard Alex Caruso. “Caruso is arguably this regime’s greatest success story and he is the perfect embodiment of the culture the franchise wants to project,” Johnson wrote in a reader mailbag. “Trading him would be painful for this management team; I can assure you that.” 
    • As we also relayed, the Wizards are one team that’s being linked to Chicago. You can read more on LaVine here and more Bulls chatter here.

    Knicks

    • The Knicks are not interested in a trade for LaVine or Bulls forward/guard DeMar DeRozan, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Begley did add that the Knicks “have had more than surface-level talks with some teams” about potential trades.
    • As we relayed here, the Knicks are hoping to add a “star” player, though it remains to be seen if that’s possible or what it might cost. (Full post)
  • Report: Knicks contemplating making move for ‘star’

    Report: Knicks contemplating making move for ‘star’

    As of right now, the New York Knicks have a pretty good thing going. But is that good thing a true contender?Jalen Brunson slaps hands with Mitchell Robinson

    Some people have their doubts, and that group may include the Knicks themselves. So they may be looking to shake up the roster before the February trade deadline, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

    “They are monitoring the marketplace,” Charania said during his regular appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “They want to see if there’s a star player that’s available.”

    As currently constructed, again, the Knicks have some pieces, starting with point guard Jalen Brunson. Both power forward Julius Randle and forward/guard RJ Barrett also have their moments. But neither is likely to garner the Knicks an opposing team’s str, unless perhaps, that player is along the lines of available Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

    And by all accounts, LaVine’s large contract isn’t exactly on the Knicks’ radar.

    So we will have to wait and see if the Knicks can actually pull off a deal — or if they’re just dreaming of one.