NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Potential Centers To Fix New York Knicks Glaring Hole
The New York Knicks continue to dance with the idea of acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets forward is marked by the Knicks organization as one of the pieces that will take New York to the next level. However, the Knicks have a bigger need in their lineup than the hot scoring forward.
The Knicks need a big man in the worst way.
While Amare has done an admirable job playing both positions, the Knicks know he’s better when he can play the power forward position. That means the need for a big man isn’t just present, but pressing.
Even if Melo heads to NYC, the Knicks will still be a piece missing from being an elite team in the East. They don’t need a superstar either, just an upgrade.
So here is a list of the 10 centers that the Knicks could acquire if they want to fill the whole they have at center.
Honorable Mention: Zach Randolph—F/C, Memphis Grizzlies
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Why This Works
Randolph gets honorable mention because he plays more of the power forward.
However, Randolph makes a lot of sense for the Knicks because he can score, which will take the load off Amare Stoudemire, and because of his off court issues, he’s likely to not be offered an extension. If the Knicks can pick him up he’d make a tremendous addition to the team.
Will They Get Him?
It’s unlikely that they will go after Randolph.
The Knicks seem set on getting Anthony, and with him there is no need for a guy like Randolph, or at least not for the kind of money he is going to want. However, if the deal falls through they could potentially pick him up.
10. Etan Thomas, Atlanta Hawks
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Why This Works
Thomas has been disappointing to say the least in Atlanta.
They feel like big man hasn’t lived up to what they expected. However, in New York he could give them a physical presence they don’t quite have. He’s a good rebounder and shot blocker, and while he’s not a great offensive player, he’s capable of finishing around the rim.
Will They Get Him?
It’s not likely.
The Hawks could be willing to part with him, but Thomas is still too injury prone for them to part with anything significant. However, if they are out of other options they could look into him.
9. Nazr Mohammed, Charlotte Bobcats
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Why This Works
Mohammed’s contract is up after the end of the year so it’s not as if Charlotte is desperate to trade him, but they are desperate to get value for someone, especially since they haven’t found a taker for Stephen Jackson or Gerald Wallace. Getting Mohammed would be an upgrade on the offensive end of the ball. He’s a good rebounder and can put up double digits every night.
Will They Get Him?
There is no doubt that Mohammed could provide the Knicks with an upgrade, but there are better targets for the Knicks, and if they haven’t found a solution by the end of the season they can sign him on the open market if they are still inclined.
8. Jeff Foster, Indiana Pacers
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Why This Works
The Knicks have an open offense that likes to push the ball, and Foster is a quick big man who can fit right in.
When healthy he can get you double digits in points and in rebounds. He’s been plagued a bit by injuries, so that could be good news for the Knicks. If they could deal for him before the trade deadline—and Indiana would love to get value for him—they could sign him after the season for less than the $6 million he makes now.
Will They Get Him?
This has legs.
The Knicks know he’s in the latter stages of his career but could still provide a stop gap till the Knicks can find their center for the future.
7. Samuel Dalembert, Sacramento Kings
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Why This Works
Dalembert is a good scorer and rebounder.
He has the potential to provide a solution at center for the next few years. He could be close to a double-double every night and is quite durable, considering he's played in every game the last three years.
Will They Get Him?
They might want him, but they won’t go after him for the simple reason that he’s getting $13 million this year. The Kings will want some value for him and the Knicks won’t want to give up that kind of value, especially when he might be available after the season.
6. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
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Why This Works
Kaman is currently injured but is expected to be back soon.
The Clippers are more interested in the services of DeAndre Jordan, who is younger, cheaper, and has more upside offensively. However, when healthy Kaman is a very good low post player with some good, though not great, defensive qualities.
He’d provide a lot of versatility for the Knicks.
Will They Get Him?
Probably not.
Kaman’s injury isn’t the problem, but his contract is. If the Clipper are trading his $11 million dollar a year deal they need equal value. The Knicks could offer up Eddie Curry’s expiring contract, but it’s looks to be part of the deal for Anthony, and it’s unlikely the Clippers want to get rid of him for a player they are just going to dump in two months.
5. Joel Przybilla, Portland Trailblazers
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Why This Works
The Blazers would be happy to get value for Pryzbilla, and the Knicks would be happy to have him.
Assuming that the Knicks could land Carmelo, Pryzbilla would be a fantastic pickup. He’s not much of an offensive player, but he can run with the offense and play some much needed defense.
Will They Get Him?
His contract is manageable, so it’s possible that he could be brought here without a lot of hassle.
If Melo signs an extension in Denver, however, then expect the Knicks to shop for someone who is more offensive-minded.
4. Marcus Camby, Portland TrailBlazers
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Why This Works
Camby has a couple of years left on his contract, and he could provide some stability in their rebounding game and is a definite upgrade from what they got now. He’s a great defender in the post and will help to deal with the better low post teams in the league.
Will They Get Him?
Don’t count on it.
Camby has to be convinced to go to New York, which won't be easy. He’s also not an athletic enough center to run in D’Antoni’s offense.
3. Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors
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Why This Works
There have been whispers that Golden State, who is already trying to figure out if they can pay both Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, could be willing to trade Biedrins.
He’s everything the Knicks are.
He’s an offensive-minded guy who doesn’t play very good defense. What he brings is a great inside game, rebounding and shot blocking abilities. He’s signed for three more years after this, and if the Knicks wanted him they could have some long-term security at the center position.
Will They Get Him?
They really should consider it.
He would fit in well with Stoudemire. He could focus on the rebounding and shot blocking while Amare works on scoring. He’s a terrible defender in the post, but the other things he brings to the table will certainly outweigh that.
2. Earl Barron, Free Agent
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Why This Works
Late last season the Knicks signed Barron, and he averaged a double-double for them. He seemed to be a natural fit for the Knicks and their offense. Considering Barron doesn’t have a job right now it seems likely that the Knicks can sign him rather cheaply.
Will They Get Him?
All indications are that the Knicks want Barron, and Barron wants the Knicks. Barring a bigger offer from a team like the Nets, who also have interest, it should be a done deal once they free up a roster spot.
1. Nene Hilario, Denver Nuggets
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Why This Works
Nene is not happy in Denver.
He has felt slighted during the entire Carmelo Anthony saga and wants max money, but no longer in Denver.
The Knicks could use a guy like Nene.
He is one of the best passing big men in the league, and while his offensive game isn’t pretty, he gets the job done. In the Knicks fast-paced offense, Nene would flourish and make his teammates better.
Will They Get Him
This is their best play.
If they are certain that Melo will walk at the end of the season, then now is the time to trade their stock to get Nene. With Nene, Felton, Stoudemire and Nene, the Knicks would be a dangerous force in the East.
