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NBA Trade Rumors: Top Three Players Who Could Fill the Point Guard Void at New York Knicks In Upcoming Off-Season

Published 07/10/2021, 1:49 PM EDT

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The New York Knicks were one of the most surprising teams this regular season. Despite missing out on some of the biggest names in the free agency market, the Knicks looked set for yet another disappointing season.

But by bringing in some veterans like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson along with coach Tom Thibodeau certainly worked wonders for the Knicks. But the most important player in this was Julius Randle, whose incredible leap in stats was the driving force.

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Given how important Randle’s all-around play was, the cracks in the Knicks’ game was visible in the playoffs. With Randle’s playmaking limited, a need for a point guard only solidified for the Knicks. Ahead of a busy off-season, take a look at the three players who could fill the point guard void for the Knicks.

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3. Sign Kyle Lowry from Free Agency

Arguably one of the biggest names available in this season’s free agency market, Raptors’ legend and veteran point guard Kyle Lowry is surely one of the most wanted players. With his ability to score the ball and distribute, Lowry can be the perfect starter for the Knicks.

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While Elfrid Payton has been decent defensively, he lacks the experience and is too limited in his skill set. Given that the Knicks have the necessary cap space as well, the 35-year-old can secure a big bag from NYK.

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The Knicks have a talented side but an addition of a player like Lowry can be a game changer. Not only will they become a deep playoff run team, the Knickerbockers’ younger guards might have a role model in the locker room to look to.

2. Trade big for Ben Simmons

The 76ers were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in the regular season. Given their form against in the regular season, they were one of the favorites to capture the title. But all of it came crashing down against the Hawks.

While Joel Embiid was dominant in the seven game series, his co-star Ben Simmons faltered and was one of the weakest players on the court. With his lack of scoring coupled with his troubled shooting, Simmons was subject to massive scrutiny.

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Given that his stock is in an all-time low, the Knicks should try to nab Simmons. While the 24-year-old might have had a season to forget but there is no denying that Simmons is an All-Star quality player and can be a franchise corner stone.

Around a perfect supporting cast, Simmons might be the perfect co-star alongside Julius Randle, but the question is will the Knicks be willing to take a huge risk on a player like Simmons?

1. Add Lonzo Ball to the Knicks

While Lowry and Simmons certainly fit the billing, Lonzo Ball might be the perfect candidate for the Knicks. Given that they have a group of some young players, a point guard of Lonzo’s age might be the best for the team.

While Ball’s career in the Lakers got off to a shaky start, he has shown quite some progress with the Pelicans. Apart from his obvious ability to pass the ball, Ball is also an excellent perimeter defender.

Lately he has also shown consistent three-point shooting and averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game shooting 37.8% from the three point line. Given that the former lottery pick is a defensive mastermind and also a capable offense creator, Lonzo Ball might be the best bid for the Knicks.

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USA Today via Reuters

But getting him out of the Pelicans might be a challenging task. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent and it will require a big pay day if they want to lure a guard like Ball away from New Orleans.

The New York Knicks know that they have to address the point guard position fast. While Derrick Rose did show that he can be an able starter, the Knicks certainly have some quality players they can bring in.

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Can the Knicks build on this impressive season with a good off-season or will they falter their chance to be a mainstay in the playoffs? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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