Miles McBride, the 25-year-old guard for the New York Knicks, is reportedly on the verge of a departure from the team, with speculation mounting that a trade could occur either at the February deadline or during the offseason. The Knicks, having recently allowed Mitchell Robinson to leave in order to remain under the salary cap's second apron, may find it financially challenging to retain McBride, who is poised for a significant contract next summer.
Insider reports suggest that unless an agreement is reached before the season kicks off, McBride's exit from New York seems inevitable. James L. Edwards of The Athletic noted that the Knicks' management has a history of trading players when contract negotiations stall, with Robinson being a rare exception due to his unique contributions to the team's championship aspirations.
As the Knicks consider their options, McBride's expiring contract, which is valued at $3.9 million, positions him as an appealing trade asset for rival teams. Here are three potential trade targets for the Knicks involving McBride.
The first option is Ryan Kalkbrenner of the Charlotte Hornets. The Knicks could send McBride along with a couple of future second-round picks to acquire the 24-year-old center. Kalkbrenner, who narrowly missed making the All-Rookie Team last season, averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just over 21 minutes of play, showcasing impressive efficiency with a field goal percentage of 75.3%. The Hornets, having recently added Naz Reid and drafted Hannes Steinbach, might be open to trading Kalkbrenner given their crowded frontcourt situation, making McBride's skills a valuable addition for them.
Another intriguing possibility for the Knicks is Scotty Pippen Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Pippen Jr., an undrafted player, has carved out a role as a reliable backup point guard, averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over three seasons. His shooting splits of 48% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 72% from the free-throw line indicate his offensive capabilities. Acquiring Pippen Jr. would not only provide a solid statistical replacement for McBride but also offer the Knicks financial flexibility with a manageable team option for the 2027-28 season.
Lastly, the Knicks might consider Kris Dunn from the Los Angeles Clippers. Dunn, who is entering the final year of his contract at $5.6 million, brings elite perimeter defense to the table. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, Dunn's ability to defend at a high level could compensate for any offensive shortcomings. He has been a regular starter for the Clippers, and his career-high 37.4% shooting from beyond the arc last season adds to his appeal. In New York, Dunn would likely play a supportive role, complementing the backcourt alongside players like Jalen Brunson and Jose Alvarado.
As the Knicks navigate the upcoming season, the potential trade of Miles McBride could significantly impact their roster and future direction. With several teams eyeing his talents, the Knicks are in a position to explore various trade scenarios that could reshape their lineup.
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