Knicks to pursue trade for Blazers’ Malcolm Brogdon?

Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, they also could pursue a trade for Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.

Of course, New York has also been linked to Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, and Detroit Pistons wing Bojan Bogdanovic, among others. Stein’s report on the Knicks’ interest in Brogdon is actually the second in a few days. So there is likely something there.

“Brogdon’s name has been mentioned as a potential Knicks target in their well-chronicled search for a guard to fortify their bench ever since they were forced to surrender Immanuel Quickley to Toronto in the Anunoby trade,” Stein wrote.

Late last week, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote that the Knicks are “more likely” to trade Brogdon than Portland forward Jerami Grant. Both are drawing lots of interest ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

“As a result, rival executives say Portland is viewing Grant as a positive trade asset, whereas some were hoping the Blazers would sell high on Grant early in his five-year contract as more of a neutral asset,” Scotto wrote. “Thus, executives believe Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon is more likely to be dealt than Grant if Portland makes a trade at the deadline since he’s considered less expensive to acquire. Rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe a fair asking price for Brogdon is a first-round pick and salary filler.”

Brogdon, 31, was acquired by the Blazers in the Jrue Holiday trade with the Boston Celtics before the season. Brogdon is averaging 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists with Portland, shooting 43 from the floor and 41 percent on threes. He’s making $22.5 million this season.

He carries NBA career averages of 15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists, 0.8 steals with the Blazers, Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. Along with Sixth Man honors last season, he won the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year Award while with Milwaukee.