The struggling New York Knicks were dealt a severe blow Wednesday with news that veteran point guard Derrick Rose will be out for at least the next eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.
For Rose, this is the latest in a long line of injuries that have derailed the former NBA MVP’s career. It also puts the Knicks behind the proverbial eight-ball following a disappointing 14-17 start to the campaign. That’s especially true with fellow former All-Star Kemba Walker having been taken out of the rotation.
Right now, Tom Thibodeau’s squad will be relying on the combination of Walker, Alec Burks, Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride to hold down the fort.
However, there’s also every reason to believe front office head Leon Rose will be active ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February. Below, we look at four New York Knicks point guard options moving forward.
Give Immanuel Quickley more run
A first-round pick last year, Quickley earned All-Rookie honors as a first-year player. The former Kentucky standout averaged 11.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 39% shooting from distance.
New York has attempted to play Quickley more at the off-guard spot. But the team might be forced into him being a primary ball-handler.
Immanuel Quickley stats (2021-22): 10.2 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 39% shooting, 35% three-point
Quickley’s numbers don’t seem too great this season. But he’s also averaging less than 22 minutes per outing. Once the youngster returns from the COVID list, it wouldn’t be a surprise for New York to give him more play. This would enable the Knicks to play Evan Fournier at the two with R.J. Barrett playing his more natural three spot.
Trade for Dennis Schroder
- Knicks get: Dennis Schroder
- Celtics get: Kevin Knox, first-round pick
It’s obvious at this point that the Celtics are looking to move Schroder ahead of the NBA trade deadline For good reason. He’s vastly outplayed his $5.8 million salary and is now priced out of the Celtics’ finances. As a bottom-end playoff team in the east, Boston will want to get something for him.
Why not buy low on the talented veteran point guard? At the cost of a former first-round bust in Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-round selection, the Knicks add that veteran talent to the mix. Schroder, 28, is in the midst of a career rebirth. He’s averaging 16.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 44% shooting.
Trade for Dejounte Murray
- Knicks get: Dejounte Murray,
- Spurs get: Kemba Walker, Kevin Knox, Quintin Grimes, two first-round picks
Murray, 25, is in the midst of a career-best season for the rebuilding Spurs. The veteran is averaging a team-best 18.1 points to go with 8.4 rebounds and 8.6 assists on 45% shooting. He’s been absolutely elite on both ends of the court and would act as a long-term point guard option in the Big Apple.
From San Antonio’s perspective, Murray has been on the trade block for some time. He doesn’t fit into their long-term rebuild plans. Instead, Gregg Popovich and Co. add two future first-round picks and 2021 first-round selection Quintin Grimes to the mix. This could help expedite the Spurs’ rebuild.
Shoot for blockbuster trade for De’Aaron Fox
- Knicks get: De’Aaron Fox
- Kings get: Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, Kevin Knox, Kemba Walker, two first-round picks
The Rose injury brings up something a lot of Knicks fans have been talking about. Even with him on the court, this position is not settled long-term. New York simply needs to find that franchise point guard to run the ship. Fox, 24, is just that.
As for the retooling Kings, they seem hellbent on moving Fox. The team seemingly wants to rebuild around Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell moving forward. If so, getting a young forward in Obi Toppin and another youngster in Quickley would be seen as ideal. Adding two future first-round picks to the mix would also help in the retooling process.
Five-for-one trades can be logistically challenging, but if it was too much to overcome the Knicks could look to take another player back or try to find a third team to help facilitate the deal.
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