The New York Knicks are always in the mix around the trade deadline. That is the only thing that they are in the mix with this season. They’re out of playoff contention despite what any fan may think.
Just like Andre Drummond being linked to the Knicks each trade deadline, so is Malik Monk. There were rumblings last year that the team wanted to acquire Monk but that fell through.
Monk is 21-years-old and fits into this young Knicks core. The team doesn’t have a true shooting guard or go to scorer. Marcus Morris and Julius Randle try to bet that ‘go-to’ scorer but it hasn’t made a difference in the games outcome. The Knicks currently sit at 12-33 playing the veterans player over the youth. Not ideal.
Monk is averaging 8 points off the bench but could be an immediate starter for the Knicks as they struggle scoring points. His numbers aren’t spectacular but the offensive capabilities are there. Maybe a different system would work but the bright lights and pressure of New York might be a lot, as it is for many.
Morris and Randle’s names have been swirling around in trade rumors. Morris wants to stay with the Knicks to help develop the young players and Randle doesn’t really care about it.
If Morris is to be traded, he’s going to a contender. So going to Charlotte for Monk might not be in play. However, if the Knicks do want to trade for Monk, Randle should be the main player involved. While he has been playing well for the Knicks, the negatives out way the positives.
Maybe the Garden lights and pressure of being in New York is to much? Or is Randle just to lazy, especially on the defensive end? Randle thrived in New Orleans where the market wasn’t as big and pressure was smaller.
Monk could be the opposite for the New York Knicks. If the Knicks don’t want to part ways with their draft picks then trading away Randle should be first. It hasn’t been working out like they hoped.
Morris is a free agent after this season and doesn’t fit with the younger players for the future of the Knicks. And while trading away players quickly isn’t the answer, someone needs to be another fall guy whether it’s Morris or Randle.