Report: Knicks reserve Immanuel Quickley draws trade interest

Tom Thibodeau, Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks
Apr 10, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) talks with head coach Tom Thibodeau during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks‘ streaky shooter Immanuel Quickley is reportedly generating interest from other teams.

Quickley is coming off an eight-point performance off the bench in the Knicks’ 121-112 win over the Cade Cunningham-less Detroit Pistons Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

His three-pointer off an RJ Barrett assist with 40.5 seconds left sealed the game as the Knicks climbed back to .500.

Shortly after helping the Knicks grab their sixth win, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that teams have been calling to inquire about Quickley. 

Drafted 25th overall in 2020, Quickley has emerged as one of the Knicks’ electrifying young players next to Obi Toppin. But his streaky shot and suspect decision-making have kept him from earning a more significant role in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.

The arrival of Jalen Brunson sealed Quickley’s fate with the Knicks as sixth man at best. This season, the spitfire Quickley is averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists against 1.5 turnovers in 21.3 minutes per game. But he’s having a rough shooting (34.8 percent overall and 28.3 percent from 3) to start the season. What’s worse, his free throw attempts (1.6) and percentage (79%) have gone down from 2.6 and 88 percent last season. 

In the nixed Donovan Mitchell deal, Quickley was reportedly part of the Knicks’ final offer. With the current logjam at the Knicks’ backcourt (Brunson, Derrick Rose, Quickley, Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride), they need to consolidate or at least unload one or two of them. 

Quickley is extension-eligible next summer. If the Knicks are not keen on paying him and expanding his role, somebody else will. 

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

Attachment.png