Knicks could trade for Pistons’ $60 million enforcer, new report suggests | Sporting News

The New York Knicks are thin when it comes to big man depth, but a clutch trade with the Detroit Pistons could solve such an issue.

On Wednesday, FanSided’s Nicholas Chiarito published a new report indicating that the Knicks need to improve their defense (particularly on the interior) by making a deal. Chiarito floated the idea of New York trading for a Detroit Pistons big man who would provide a ton of muscle down low.

“Outside of Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have two players currently active who are taller than 6-foot-7 — Jericho Sims (6-foot-10) and the 58th pick in the draft, Ariel Hukporti (7-foot),” Chiarito said.

“The other two big men they have, Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, are both hurt. Their lack of size has hurt their rim protection and rebounding which was so crucial for them last season.”

“Isaiah Stewart, despite being an undersized big, would fix a lot of the Knicks size problems off the bench. He’s currently averaging 1.3 blocks per game and 6.9 rebounds while playing in 22.1 minutes per game. Those numbers would lead the Knicks bench and would be first in blocks.”

“In order to get Stewart, the Knicks would have to center their trade around Robinson, as both players are making roughly $15 million for this season. Due to Robinson’s injury, Stewart’s availability would be an upgrade and would help with the Knicks defensive woes. However the Knicks would probably have to include another asset to entice the Pistons who have been competitive so far this year.”

“Just to add on, Stewart has shown in years past to be an effective scorer and shooter, shooting 38.3 percent from 3 last season and currently shooting 84.6 percent from the free-throw line. Both are things none of the Knicks’ centers can do outside of Karl-Anthony Towns.”

Stewart is in the first year of a four-year, $60 million rookie extension.

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