The New York Knicks' quest for a superstar will require some sacrifices. As the roster is currently constructed, there's perhaps no more valuable ... or uncomfortable ... offering than reserve point guard Immanuel Quickley.
Hypothetical trades involving the Knicks often include some combination of Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, and some of their draft pick surplus. But Quickley's value has made him one of their most valuable assets, at least beyond the obvious franchise cornerstones like Jalen Brunson.
Fresh off a runner-up finish in the most recent Sixth Man of the Year vote, Quickley is averaging a career-best 15 points a game in 21 relief appearances despite a slight dip in accuracy (42.7 percent from the field, down over two full points from last year). He's often the first man off the Knicks' bench and has had a major role in what they've accomplished over the last two years.
Quickley has proven equally capable of serving as a starter in a pinch: in 21 starts in place of an injured RJ Barrett or Jalen Brunson, Quickley averaged 22.6 points and over five assists and rebounds each. He may be called upon to fulfill that role again if Brunson, who endured a late ankle injury in Friday's loss in Boston, misses extended action.
But if the Knicks are to make any true headway on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, they might have to finally part ways with Quickley: trading Quickley, a restricted free agent-to-be, has always been in the realm of possibility, especially considering the failure to agree to a long-term deal in New York over the offseason.
The past week, however, has proven that the Knicks (12-9) may need to make a major move if they want to go beyond the second round of the East as they did last season. New York dropped consecutive games to the conference's finest, falling 146-122 to Milwaukee on Tuesday before the Boston Celtics took a 133-123 decision on Friday.
Quickley's next chance to prove his worth to the Knicks ... or potential trade suitors ... on Monday night when they host the Toronto Raptors (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
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