Knicks Trade Rumors: Kelly Olynyk Targeted in Jazz Talks amid Jordan Clarkson Links

After the success of the trade for OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks are believed to be in the market for another splash move prior to the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.

They appear to be eyeing a pair of veterans from the Utah Jazz, as HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on Wednesday that New York has "registered trade interest" in shooting guard Jordan Clarkson and center Kelly Olynyk.

Scotto noted that Olynyk has drawn trade interest from "various" teams across the NBA and "is considered Utah's top trade candidate ahead of the deadline by rival executives as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency in the summer."

After starting all 68 games in his first season with the Jazz in 2022-23, Olynyk has been relegated to a rotation player this year. In 47 games with eight starts, he's averaging 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes of action. However, he's still found ways to be effective, as he's added a career-high 4.3 assists per game.

The Knicks could use some frontcourt depth following the season-ending ankle injury suffered by center Mitchell Robinson. While the platoon of Isaiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims has kept New York afloat, adding Olynyk would be a strong move that would provide the team with a veteran presence at the center position.

Clarkson is also one of the top names on the trade market. The 2021 Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 17.7 points and 4.8 assists in 39 games with 19 starts.

"Whatever team can get Clarkson will be a game-changer," an NBA scout told Scotto. "I think he's the best of the volume scorers available on the trade market."

The Knicks got a good look at both Clarkson and Olynyk when they defeated the Jazz 118-103 on Tuesday, which improved their record to 31-17 and extended their win streak to eight straight games.

New York is now 14-2 since acquiring Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in a trade that is looking like the best move of the season so far.

The Knicks have also been linked to other names on the trade market such as Bruce Brown, Malcolm Brogdon and Alec Burks, so it will be interesting to see if they land another difference-maker who can help them compete for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks will be back in action on Thursday when they host the Indiana Pacers.

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