Could Knicks And Kings Become Trade Partners?

January 30, 2022

The Knicks are hosting the Kings on Monday and it may be a trade preview of sorts, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Per Berman, the main players in such a scenario — New York power forward Julius Randle and Sacramento point guard De’Aaron Fox.

Granted, multiple reports have said Fox is considered off limits, but Berman reported otherwise, writing that Fox’s “presence with 2020 lottery pick Tyrese Haliburton is a redundancy.”

Along with that, Fox was drafted by Knicks GM Scott Perry when Perry was with the Kings.

“Knicks GM Scott Perry drafted Fox during his short stint in Sacramento after being fired by Orlando,” Berman wrote. “Perry considers the Fox pick one of his top draft moves, according to a source.”

Oh, and let’s not forget William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley. The Knicks executive could play a role — given that Fox and Randle both played collegiately at Kentucky, and Wesley “has been embedded in the Kentucky program for years,” Berman wrote.

All of that said, Knicks president Leon Rose has final say on all basketball-related moves, and many around the NBA believe coach Tom Thibodeau is second in command. Or at least tied for second in command. So it’s hard to tell how much input Perry would have.

It is also not known if the Kings are actually willing to move Fox ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline.

They do, however, seem more than willing to move small forward Harrison Barnes, shooting guard Buddy Hield, center/forwards Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes, and center Tristan Thompson. So maybe the Knicks could find the deal they like with one of those players.

Meanwhile, as we relayed earlier, New York may be open to moving guard Evan Fournier, shooting guard Alec Burks or point guard Kemba Walker. And yes, perhaps Randle.

“According to an NBA source, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has admitted to associates he’s had more trouble getting Randle to play with a selflessness this season than during last season,” Berman wrote.

Bottom line: Just like many things leading up to the trade deadline, the Knicks-Kings rumors are something on which to keep an eye.