NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 8: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the LA Clippers during the game on February 8, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Knicks Trade Rumors: Kyle O'Quinn Reportedly Available Ahead of 2017 Deadline

Mike ChiariFeb 23, 2017

Although the New York Knicks are fighting to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race, they have reportedly made backup center Kyle O'Quinn available.

According to Adam Zagoria of SNY, the Knicks are actively shopping O'Quinn ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline but are unsure if they will be able to net fair value in return.

The 26-year-old O'Quinn is a Queens, New York, native who is in the midst of his fifth NBA season.

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He was selected in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic out of Norfolk State, but he has spent the past two campaigns with the Knicks.

The 2016-17 season has been O'Quinn's best thus far from a statistical perspective, as he is averaging career highs with 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, O'Quinn is fourth in the NBA this season with 3.2 blocks per 36 minutes.

He is second on New York's depth chart at center behind veteran Joakim Noah, but with 22-year-old Willy Hernangomez coming into his own, the Knicks can afford to part with O'Quinn.

Per Spotrac, O'Quinn has one year remaining on his contract beyond 2016-17, along with a player option for the 2018-19 campaign of over $4 million.

Although dealing for O'Quinn wouldn't be a franchise-changing move, he is a rugged, high-motor player who could help a team making a playoff push.