The Knicks have players other teams would like.
Winning buyers looking for a second team spark would not need to be called up to Alec Burks. The veteran swingman is pairing 11.1 points per game with a splash rate of 40.9% from the perimeter. He is also playing with an expiring contract, so buyers won’t have to change their budget in the future.
Reggie Bullock, Nerlens Noel and Elfrid Payton are also due. Bullock could bring in three-point shooting (38.3 percent) and some defensive versatility. Noel could rock a frontcourt that he loses with lightning-fast length, athleticism and hands. Payton could spice up a backcourt with consistent ball control (3.6 assists vs 1.9 turnovers).
If forward-thinking buyers want to tackle the developments of Kevin Knox II or Frank Ntilikina, the Knicks may not need much in the way of drafts to let them go.
Eventually, New York could potentially be persuaded to part ways with Julius Randle. The former lottery win peaked with per-game contributions of 23.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists, which could open up the latest selling opportunity. He only has a partially guaranteed deal for next season, so he may not be as rooted in the organization’s plans as the numbers might suggest.