With Quickley Gone, Knicks Interested In Malcolm Brogdon Trade?

Portland Trail Blazers guard and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon could be a trade target for the New York Knicks after dealing away Immanuel Quickley.

The New York Knicks are in an interesting position going into the final month of the NBA's trade season. New York unofficially kicked off trade season on Saturday when they acquired OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a future second-round pick. 

By losing Quickley, the Knicks are in the backup point guard market, and Portland Trail Blazers guard and reigning Sixth Year Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon could be on New York's radar.

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"I think the name that people throw out is Malcolm Brogdon," SNY's Ian Begley said. "I don't know what the cost for Brogdon would be. He, I believe, contract for next season, so that's also a consideration ... I do think in a big-picture sense, I don't think the Knicks are going to give anything up that would put them in jeopardy of not being able to do a bigger move."

Brogdon, 31, is averaging 15.7 points and 5.6 assists for the Blazers en route to the Sixth Man title, which saw him beat out Quickley in the runner-up spot. Over the past two games since the trade, New York is 2-0 but has had trouble scoring off the bench with Quickley gone, picking up 36 combined (29th in the Association in the new calendar year).

Teams around the league know New York is open for business and that it'll want to make a bigger splash eventually, whether it's at this trade season or the next. That means rivals will press the Knicks and not be afraid to ask for a lot in exchange for a veteran to help off the bench at the deadline.

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This also puts the Knicks in a difficult position. Will they sacrifice a player or pick that they can use in a bigger deal in a smaller trade for some bench help? If teams ask the Knicks for a young player like Quentin Grimes, would that be too much?

It's like a kid at the arcade who has a bunch of tickets. You can cash out for the small bag of candy or save up for next time in order to get the big toy car on the top shelf. 

The Knicks need to make their decision soon, and the clock is ticking.