Knicks News: LaMarcus Aldridge connected to New York, but consider it squashed

Jan 17, 2020; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks center Damian Jones (30) in the second half of the game at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks have been at the pinnacle of trade talks the past few weeks, being connected to players like Lonzo Ball, Bradley Beal, and even Andre Drummond. With the trade deadline occurring on March 27, the Knicks have a few more days to finalize any last-second moves, especially if they are looking to gain a sharpshooter or more offensively proficient point, guard. Injuries have taken their toll to a degree, but the Knicks don’t want to make any premature moves that hurt their asset treasury.

One player that has been connected recently to New York is San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is having his worst season in years, averaging just 13.7 points over 25.9 minutes per game. His total rebounds are down to a career-low 4.5, and blocks are at 0.9, with the last time going sub 1.0 being in 2011.

Considering his fall off, some believed that he would be a solid add for the Knicks for cheap, but with Mitchell Robinson on his way back and Julius Randle their primary power forward, Alldredge doesn’t really make sense.

Per Marc Berman of the NY Post, the Knicks’ connection with LaMarcus Aldridge as a potential trade target came back negative.

The Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge is on the trading block, but a source said there’s mutual disinterest as he essentially plays Julius Randle’s power-forward position.

Acquiring a player via trade would be in line with playoff contention, but head coach Tom Thibodeau has other ideas in mind. Not everything is about making the playoffs, but rather setting the future stage and building something special.

The Knicks may be thinking playoffs, but Tom Thibodeau is thinking foundation:

“It’s important for us to go step-by-step and not skip over things,’’ Thibodeau said. “The whole goal this year is to build a foundation and the right type of habits. Wherever that leads us, it leads us. Our players have responded. In this league, you’re always looking for player development first, then look at the draft and free agency, then trades. You never stop working in all four areas. Every day it’s how can we make the team better. That’s where our focus lies with coaches, front office and players. We’re all tied together. We’re going to do what’s best for the Knicks.’’

Thibodeau’s approach is exactly what the Knicks should be abiding by. Focusing on how they can grow together and take progressive steps forward is ideal instead of trying to rush a playoff appearance for a team that isn’t ready to compete for a championship. They must be smart with how they allocate their resources, especially with plenty of first-round draft choices and young players to move in a potential trade.