Add Raptors shooting guard Norman Powell to the list of those of interest to the Knicks ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
While the Raptors are point of sale guard Kyle Lowry, the Knicks have a lot more interest in Powell, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
In the same vein as Houston’s Victor Oladipo, the Knicks don’t want to give up 27-year-old Powell’s first round as a rent and prefer assurances that he would re-sign if they make a move.
However, league sources claim the Pacers are willing to overpay Powell in free service and perhaps outbid the field.
Long an unsung role-player, Powell has had a solid sixth season in the darkness of Tampa, the pandemic home of the Raptors.
Powell has spent his entire career in Toronto, a franchise that rarely appears on national TV. Only recently has Powell emerged as a scoring stud.
He has started 30 of the 41 games in Toronto, averaging 19.5 points per game in his career – he shot 49.5 percent, of which 43.4 percent from 3. ESPN reported that a whopping 12 teams are interested in Powell.
“He has his advantage on its head,” said an NBA scout. ‘Besides, he has that chip on his shoulder. He plays better than his minutes show. He has shown that he can be a full-time starter. “
Another NBA manager said teams are suspicious of what his asking price will be.
“You’ll have to pay him next year,” said the director. “He has really improved his shooting and [is] good in the half lane. Not a playmaker, but he’s a good defender and a great person. “
Sounds like a Tom Thibodeau dream. But with the rise of RJ Barrett and the long-standing solid play of Alec Burks, who has proven he can play both guard spots, the Knicks aren’t as desperate for a backcourt.
The Knicks are sliding into Thursday’s trading deadline at 10-10pm. The organizational belief is that the Knicks have vastly exceeded expectations and have enough to finish in the top 10 in the East to qualify for the play-in tournament – if not in the top six for a playoff spot to capture.
Knicks president Leon Rose knows this is not the season to compete for the title. Therefore, the franchise is not too keen to give up important rental design choices unless there are long-term effects. In addition, he loves the chemistry that has now been created.
“I think they will be doing their big things in the summer,” said an NBA source.
Pelicans game point guard Lonzo Ball is on the Knicks radar as a restricted free agent. New Orleans GM David Griffin measures whether it is best to trade him now or risk losing him for nothing in a free agency.
The Knicks think they would be on the hunt to sign Ball. In 2011, Knicks Brass was panned on the trade deadline for giving up a large number of assets in a sign-and-extension transaction for Carmelo Anthony rather than waiting for his free agency.
Ironically, Rose, then Anthony’s agent, helped bring about that deal.
Meanwhile, a source said the Pacers have not marketed either point guard Malcolm Brodgon or big man Myles Turner and are not options.
However, Orlando’s Evan Fournier, a Scott Perry draft pick, and Sacramento’s Nemanja Bjelica, a 38.8 percent career 3-point shooter, are also reportedly close and of interest.
“It’s important for us to go one step at a time and not skip things,” Thibodeau said over the weekend at the first sign that the Knicks might have a pat on the back. “The whole goal this year is to build a foundation and build the right habits. “
Knicks Brass already gave the winning Thibodeau a Super Bowl Sunday gift by Dennis Smith Jr. to deal for veteran Derrick Rose.
Rose is about to return now that the Knicks are getting well. Point guard Elfrid Payton is back from a hamstring strain and center Mitchell Robinson made a big impact in his second game Tuesday.
However, the Knicks are not salespeople as expected and want to push through a talent upgrade or at least make better use of the selection spot occupied by Austin Rivers, who has fallen out of favor with Thibodeau and has not been with the club since the All-Star break.
If Rivers is bought out, the Knicks will be in the buyout market to fill the gap. Veteran sniper JJ Redick, who has had a bad year with the Pelicans, is a target as a bank gunner as he longs to be back in the New York area.
However, the Nets may also be interested. Redick, who has been out with a hamstring injury since March 4, lives in Brooklyn with his family and was seen in SoHo this week during his rehab.