Three shooting specialists Knicks can trade for ahead of deadline

One of the biggest issues plaguing the New York Knicks this season has been their three-point shooting. While they have been rather efficient from beyond the arc on the season, ranked tied for seventh in three-point percentage with 37.4, they have been in a rut recently that has caused their efficiency to tank. 

In their last 10 games, the Knicks have been shooting 29.9 percent from three, which ranks dead last in the NBA. Alongside this, they also rank dead last in attempts in this period. On the overall season, they rank 24th.

With streaky shooting from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and at times, Jalen Brunson, the Knicks need to look into ways to fix their three-point shooting issues. An easy way to do this is by acquiring a volume shooter at the trade deadline. Here are three players who both fit this profile and could be available to trade for. 

Bulls wing Torrey Craig

Now, in terms of pure numbers, Torrey Craig isn't the first player who comes to mind when you think of a volume shooter, as he takes roughly four a game. However, this takes up 76 percent of his shot diet, and he is hitting them at a 42.9 percent rate. 

Alongside his shooting, Craig also provides a steady defensive presence on the wing, something this Knicks team could use. The Bulls are currently the 10th seed in the East and will likely be looking to shed their veteran contracts, meaning a guy like Craig could be on the move. 

Craig has been dealing with a plantar fascia injury and will likely return in a few weeks. So, it would be wise for the Knicks to wait until closer to the deadline to pull a potential deal off. However, Craig fits all of their needs off the bench and is making just $2.8 million this season, an easy contract to trade for. 

Heat guard Alec Burks

The Knicks trading for Alec Burks once again would be quite hilarious. However, it kind of makes sense. He's been playing a limited role with the Heat and given their current situation, moving on from him seems like it could be on the agenda. 

As for New York, the two sides have familiarity, of course, and Burks has been a steady three-point shooter for a while now, shooting 40 percent or higher from beyond the arc in four of his last five seasons. This year, he is taking about 3.2 a game (71 percent of his shot diet) and hitting them at a 44.3 percent rate.

Burks is making $2.0 million this season, another easy contract to trade for. It will be interesting to see the minutes he gets in New York if it makes a move for him, as he is playing just 16.3 per game for the Heat. Regardless, he certainly checks a lot of boxes on the Knicks' bench needs.

Grizzlies wing Luke Kennard

When it comes to pure volume shooters, there may be none better on the trade market than Luke Kennard, who has recently lost favor in the Grizzlies rotation due to their absurd depth. Kennard's $9.2 million contract makes it more difficult for the Knicks to acquire him, but they do have the assets to pull it off. 

This season, Kennard is taking 4.4 threes per game, his lowest since 2020-21 thanks to a limited role. However, he is hitting them at an absurd 46.1 percent. He doesn't provide much more than three-point shooting, but he is darn good at it and the Knicks have the personnel to minimize the other holes in his game.