5 Trades The New York Knicks Should Explore

By Joseph Crevier

5 Trades The New York Knicks Should Explore

New York Knicks
Jim Rogash-Getty Images

After making a splash in the trade market last offseason, re-signing Carmelo Anthony and hiring head coach Derek Fisher, the New York Knicks have plummeted to irrelevancy. The team is already approaching 20 losses on the season en route to the worst start in franchise history and nationwide embarrassment. Nothing seems to be working for New York, so exploring trade options is only logical at this point.

5. Knicks Acquire Much Needed Defense

Kosta Koufos
Richard Rowe-Getty Images

5. Knicks Acquire Much Needed Defense

Kosta Koufos
Richard Rowe-Getty Images

New York Knicks Receive: Kosta Koufos
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Cole Aldrich, Quincy Acy

Fisher doesn't appear to have much interest in playing Hardaway Jr., so Phil Jackson's best option would be to seek a trade. The Knicks' interior defense has been atrocious, making Koufos a viable trade target. He will hit the free agent market next summer, and Memphis may be hesitant to re-sign him due to tax stipulations.

4. Chris Copeland Returns to New York

Chris Copeland
Ron Hoskins-Getty Images

4. Chris Copeland Returns to New York

Chris Copeland
Ron Hoskins-Getty Images

New York Knicks Receive: Chris Copeland, Luis Scola
Indiana Pacers Receive: J.R. Smith, Quincy Acy

New York probably should have retained Copeland two summers ago, but instead they foolishly re-signed J.R. Smith to a three-year deal. Smith's high volume shooting simply does not mesh well with Carmelo Anthony, so sending him to an offensively-challenged Pacers team makes some sense. The Knicks would also shed his remaining $6 million.

3. Cavaliers Give Up on Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson
Mike Lawrie-Getty Images

3. Cavaliers Give Up on Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson
Mike Lawrie-Getty Images

New York Knicks Receive: Tristan Thompson
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Iman Shumpert, Samuel Dalembert

Tristan Thompson is poised for a monster payday despite his poor performances this year as he and LeBron James are represented by the same agent. As for New York, Shumpert is also set for a hefty payday due to his much improved play, so shipping him away to Cleveland, which is in need of wing defense, for Thompson would be a solid return.

2. Andrea Bargnani's Contract Leaves Town

Ed Davis
Scott Halleran-Getty Images

2. Andrea Bargnani's Contract Leaves Town

Ed Davis
Scott Halleran-Getty Images

New York Knicks Receive: Ed Davis, Steve Nash
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Andrea Bargnani

Jason Smith seems to have filled the void left by seven-footer Bargnani, leaving him and his $11 million expiring contract as outcasts. New York still needs interior defense, which center Ed Davis excels in providing. Nash is also on an expiring deal, so the Knicks really have no financial repercussions to face in this deal.

1. Knicks Pursue Greg Monroe Early

Greg Monroe
D. Williams-Getty Images

1. Knicks Pursue Greg Monroe Early

Greg Monroe
D. Williams-Getty Images

New York Knicks Receive: Greg Monroe
Detroit Pistons Receive: Iman Shumpert

Greg Monroe's departure from Detroit is inevitable at this point. He's set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer and the Knicks are expected to be one of his many suitors. As the February trade deadline approaches, Detroit will likely explore their trade options. Considering New York is already planning on pursuing him, why not attempt to buy low on him now?

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