Knicks predicted to trade for thriving Pelicans guard to bolster bench | Sporting News

The New York Knicks don’t have the most reliable bench in the NBA, which explains why Tom Thibodeau runs his starters into the ground. 

The simple solution to the Knicks’ ongoing issue would be to trade for a New Orleans Pelicans guard who’s turning heads. 

“The New York Knicks might be looking to inject some life into their bench by targeting Brandon Boston Jr., a young player with big potential on the New Orleans Pelicans,” Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva wrote Wednesday. 

“If the Pelicans continue to struggle with injuries and can’t make a serious playoff push, they might consider moving a breakout player like Boston Jr. to focus on the future.’

“His potential to develop into a solid scoring option off the bench might appeal to the Knicks, who are struggling, barely putting up 19.9 points per game. Boston Jr. could slide right into a sixth-man role, giving the Knicks a much-needed boost of offense and depth.”

“Imagine him teaming up with players like Miles McBride, which could create a dynamic second unit, adding energy and scoring consistency that the Knicks have been lacking.”

The Knicks would have to trade Pacome Dadiet and a 2025 first-round pick (via the Detroit Pistons) to the Pelicans to acquire Boston. 

Boston’s transition from college to the pros has been anything but smooth, as the Kentucky product struggled to carve out a solid role for himself on the Los Angeles Clippers. 

During his short-lived stay in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-6 wing participated in over 100 regular season contests and averaged 6.2 points per game on 39.6% field goal shooting and 33% long-range shooting.

Boston inked a two-year deal with the Pelicans this past October, and he’s taken full advantage of the new opportunity thus far. 

The Norcross, Georgia native is netting 12 points per contest on 46.2% field goal shooting and 37% three-point shooting.

Boston has always been able to shake defenders on the perimeter before getting to his sweet spots on the floor. The only difference is the 22-year-old is getting a chance to prove his worth on the hardwood. 

With the Knicks struggling to receive their desired production from their bench, the organization could use a natural scorer like Boston to help improve that aspect of their club. 

The Knicks shouldn’t have to rely heavily on their starting five this early in the season, and while Boston would only be one piece of the puzzle, he could play his part to help elevate New York’s second unit.

More NBA: Pacers land $192 million 76ers superstar in blockbuster trade proposal