Following the 2020–21 season, the New York Knicks had established a culture and benchmark for their success. Despite being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, making it, to begin with, was a major surprise, let alone securing the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, this season, the team is struggling considerably to elevate their game, especially with power forward Julius Randle regressing to the mean.
As we approach the trade deadline on February 10, the team is looking to potentially inject more talent into the roster, especially at the point guard position with Derrick Rose not expected to return until after the All-Star game.
Losing Rose resulted in a major negative impact, representing a loss in floor general mentality and facilitation. Rose calmed down the entire team, managing the offensive flow and attacking the basket with intelligence and efficiency.
Before suffering an ankle injury, Rose was averaging 12 points per game, shooting 40% from three-point range and posting 4.0 assists per night.
Relying on Randle to be the team’s primary passer and assist maestro was never a sustainable strategy. According to Jake Fisher of Bleacher Report, reports have indicated that the Minnesota Timberwolves might be willing to part ways with one of their veteran players, Patrick Beverley.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are ‘exploring trade avenues’ involving Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/f5Hdq0uqNG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 2, 2022
Many believe Beverley is still an incredibly valuable piece to Minnesota, given his leadership qualities and efficiency. This season, Beverley is only averaging 8.8 points per game, but he’s also recording a career-high 5.0 assists and shooting 41% from the field. Beverley is an experienced point guard who could help supplement deficiencies on both sides of the ball.
Beverley is currently in the last year of a three-year, $40 million deal he initially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. At 33 years old, he’s set to earn $14.3 million this year, but if traded, the Timberwolves would have to consume most of that salary.
The Knicks could likely acquire Beverley for pennies, injecting more PG talent into the roster and leadership they desperately need, with Randle struggling to maintain his form and showing hostility at times with a media.
Beverley is a well-respected player in the NBA and an important locker room guy for Minnesota.
However, Beverley has indicated he wants to stay in Minnesota, so if management is really keen on trading him, they have to find the right opportunity where he can thrive and find a good home.
The Knicks would offer him an opportunity to make an impact immediately on the biggest stage, a nice place to land.