Knicks Rumors: Insider Lists 3 Players Who Could Be Traded

The New York Knicks have grand plans to enter the Eastern Conference elite this season, led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. And maybe another star player. To that end, Knicks beat writer Fred Katz of The Athletic indicates that they could still be looking to the trade market in order to bring in another impact player.

Katz discusses three Knicks who could be dealt this coming season, and surprisingly, it begins with two players who are currently crucial to the team's plans. 

RJ Barrett

The 23-year-old Torontonian has a four-year, $107 million extension kicking in this season, and clearly, at $26.75M annually, could bring back a high-earning star in return as part of a deal. He's an important player for the team, no doubt, but if they're looking to bring back a true "star" (as the Knicks are always trying to do), Barrett and his salary would almost have to go. 

Immanuel Quickley

Perhaps the most surprising member of this list, Quickley swiftly made himself into a key piece of the team's plans late last season, as post-All-Star Break, he averaged 21.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 40% from three in 34 minutes per game. 

He's eligible for a rookie extension, and there was some thought after the Josh Hart contract was signed earlier this month that a Quickley extension might be next. 

But Katz indicates that his sources tell him that "the Knicks have discussed Quickley in trades this summer", and signing a rookie-scale extension would make it "difficult, though not impossible" to complete a trade. Hence, no deal for now. 

Evan Fournier

No surprise on this one. In fact, it would be an absolute stunner, says Katz, if Fournier and his $18.9M owed this season aren't dealt.

This may shock the world, and I don’t mean to be crass, and please alert the presses and aggregators … but Fournier will (be traded). His utility right now is that he’s on an $18.9 million expiring contract, a salary that could help facilitate a top-dollar trade. The Knicks could deal for a player who makes up to $20.8 million using only Fournier’s money. Add another player or two, and they can bring back even more.

While any or all of these three could very well begin the season with the Knicks, the chances of a trade could increase as the deadline approaches. 

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