After losing Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency, the New York Knicks are scouring the trade market to find a replacement. Wendell Carter Jr. could emerge as a potential target.
But a deal for Carter Jr., who has two years left on his $50 million contract, wouldn’t be easy. It would probably take the Knicks bringing in a third team to help them and the Orlando Magic.
Charlotte receives: Mitchell Robinson, 2026 second-round draft pick (via ORL)
New York receives: Carter Jr., Nick Richards
Orlando receives: Cody Martin, Miles McBride
Carter Jr. is a six-year veteran who shot 33 percent from three-point range. He averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in 55 regular season appearances last year.
The Hornets are one of the few teams left with salary cap space. In exchange for help facilitating the deal, Charlotte would receive Robinson, under team control through 2026, and a second-round pick that belongs to the Brooklyn Nets.
For the Magic, having another player in the backcourt should be a priority if Markelle Fultz doesn’t return. He started 18 games for Orlando last season, is an unrestricted free agent and appears ready for a departure.
McBride had a breakout campaign last season, and is considered one of the best contracts in the NBA. He averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 68 regular season appearances last year.
New York needs to replace Hartenstein, has said it is interested in Richards and may need a center to play in five-man lineups.
Carter Jr.’s shooting would allow them to do just that, matching the pace of teams like the Boston Celtics.