Trade Watch: Is De'Andre Hunter the Role Player That Pushes Knicks Forward?

Hunter is averaging 14.3 points per game in 19 appearances for Atlanta this sitting and hitting 45 percent from the field (just under 36 percent from three). The Knicks got a firsthand look at Hunter's offensive abilities in their first visit to Atlanta in October, as the Virginia alum scored a season-best 27 points in a 126-120 New York victory.

But perhaps the most intriguing thing about Hunter is the great defense he has provided with his impressive size and length. His 6-8, 225-lb. frame could further bolster the Knicks' already-stout defense and perhaps fill in the size void that the traded Obi Toppin left behind while putting heat on similarly-skilled starter Quentin Grimes. 

Hunter, the fourth overall pick of the 2019 draft (one pick after current Knick RJ Barrett), is currently working through the first year of a four-season contract extension worth a guaranteed $90 million. Jake Fischer of Yahoo! previously reported that the Hawks shopped him to teams like Detroit and Indiana over the offseason. Atlanta (9-10) currently holds the fourth and final spot on the Eastern Conference Play-In bracket but if they opt to tear things down, the Knicks would be wise to keep an eye on Hunter's status.

Hunter and the Hawks visit Madison Square Garden in March. In the meantime, the Knicks return to action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/TNT).