The New York Knicks have their sights set on Atlanta Hawks center Larry Nance Jr. as a potential backup for Mitchell Robinson. According to John Hollinger from The Athletic, Nance could be a great fit, sparking some serious interest from the Knicks.
With these New York Knicks rumors circulating, let’s take a closer look at what this trade could mean for the Knicks and how Nance might contribute to their lineup.
- Larry Nance Jr. is a potential trade target for the Knicks to back up Mitchell Robinson.
- Nance has an expiring $11 million contract and is currently the third center for the Hawks.
- The Knicks’ center rotation has been weakened after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency.
Larry Nance Jr. Emerges as Backup Option for Knicks
Larry Nance Jr., currently the third center on the Hawks’ roster, is being considered by the Knicks as they look to strengthen their depth.
With an $11 million expiring contract, Nance originally signed a two-year deal with the Pelicans before being traded to Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray deal.
NBA insider Marc Stein mentions that Nance is actually drawing more trade interest than Clint Capela, another Hawks center. And while Nance doesn’t shoot often, he’s made the most of his attempts, hitting 41.5% from beyond the arc last season.
In 61 games last year, Nance put up 5.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in just under 20 minutes per game. As the Knicks trade rumors swirl, Nance is shaping up to be a solid option to bolster their center rotation.
Knicks’ Center Rotation Post-Hartenstein
With Isaiah Hartenstein now headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks find themselves reworking their center rotation.
Hartenstein was a key contributor on both ends of the floor, especially in the pick-and-roll with Jalen Brunson. So, naturally, his absence leaves a noticeable gap.
To fill the void, the Knicks will be leaning on Achiuwa, Sims, and rookie Ariel Hukporti to back up Mitchell Robinson. While this lineup might hold up during the regular season, there are concerns about how it will fare in the playoffs.
Defensively, the Knicks are banking on the return of OG Anunoby and the addition of Mikal Bridges to help make up for Hartenstein’s shot-blocking presence. With the team adjusting to these changes, recent NBA trades have left them with some big shoes to fill.
Knicks Potential Midseason NBA Trades 2024
As the 2024-25 season approaches, speculation around potential trades is heating up. John Hollinger and Fred Katz from The Athletic discussed potential center trade targets for the Knicks.
Besides Larry Nance Jr., there are several other big names that could be on the Knicks’ radar.
Here’s a look at what Robert Williams III, Draymond Green, and Jusuf Nurkic could bring to the team – and the potential risks involved.
1. Robert Williams III
Williams, on one of the worst teams in the West, is a potential trade target. However, his injury history is a concern. Despite his talent, his inability to stay healthy makes him a risky acquisition for the Knicks.
2. Draymond Green
Draymond Green, the Warriors’ defensive standout with tons of playoff experience, might be on the Knicks’ radar. However, his age, declining performance, and frequent disciplinary issues make him a less appealing option despite his leadership skills.
3. Jusuf Nurkic
Nurkic, with the Suns, is another potential target for the Knicks. Despite his solid performance, his high salary and poor playoff record are concerns. Trading for Nurkic would be challenging due to his hefty contract.
Latest Knicks News: Strengthening Their Center Rotation
As the Knicks get ready for the new season, they’re on the hunt to strengthen their center rotation.
Larry Nance Jr. is looking like a solid option, with his expiring contract and dependable performance. Bringing him in could help fill the gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein and give Mitchell Robinson the support he needs.
But the Knicks need to be smart about it. They’ve got to consider all their options carefully to make sure they improve the team now without messing up their future plans.
As the Knicks continue to build their roster, it’s interesting to think about how future stars might compare to the best NBA players in history.
So, keep an eye on the latest Knicks news as the team figures out the best moves to make this season.
