Knicks could still target Warriors’ three-time champion pursued this offseason | Sporting News

At 12-8, the New York Knicks are fourth in the Eastern Conference and very much alive in the playoff race. After landing Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges this summer, the Knicks were expected to be one of the very best teams in the conference and rival the Boston Celtics, although with the Milwaukee Bucks surging, the Knicks are in danger of losing home court advantage. 

The Knicks starters have kicked off this season rather well, with Towns, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson exceeding expectations. Josh Hart and Bridges have been solid, although their play leaves something to be desired. All five have remained healthy thus far, although Tom Thibodeau’s insistence on not using his bench doesn’t give faith should a starter go down with a long-term injury.

The Knicks’ bench is dead last in minutes and points and is ahead of only the Los Angeles Lakers in rebounds per game. In an effort to shore up their frontcourt rotation before a possible playoff run, the Knicks have been linked to plenty of trade targets, although they could return to a player they were linked to during the offseason before their blockbuster moves.

“Center Kevon Looney drew exploratory trade interest from the Knicks, Thunder, and Grizzlies early this offseason before the organizations pivoted in other directions,” wrote HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on Monday. “Amid his 10th season of his career, all with the Warriors, Looney has since led the team in rebounding (7.6) in 14.9 minutes per game.”

Looney is coming off the bench this season but has been a key piece to the Warriors success. Still, with De’Anthony Melton out for the season, Golden State might prioritize wing defenders. 

In theory, the Knicks could offer Precious Achiuwa and rookie Tyler Kolek for Looney and his expiring $8 million deal, but a larger trade involving Gary Payton II, Andrew Wiggins and Looney for Bridges, Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukpori might be able to give the Warriors some defense and size while offering the Knicks some much-needed depth at multiple positions. 

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