The New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings are reportedly locked in a trade discussion involving Kyle O'Quinn, Ben McLemore, and future draft picks. The Knicks is currently creating a stronger team this offseason in time for NBA's 2016-17 season.
ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted that the Kings are actively looking to trade McLemore, Rudy Gay, and Kosta Koufos. Kings insider James Ham, meanwhile, revealed on Twitter that the team has "fielded multiple calls" for their three players, adding that the trio has garnered "plenty of interest" but they don't intend to give them away "for free."
The Knicks' quest for a tougher team can be fulfilled by acquiring McLemore, who would fit in with the team as a dependable backup shooting guard, Sportsrageous reported. Granted, the Knicks' acquisition of Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah, and Brandon Jennings have served as an improvement for its lineup, but McLemore is still a welcome and stronger addition.
The Knicks is willing to let go of power forward O'Quinn and future draft picks in exchange for Kings' McLemore. The latter's transfer to the Knicks could address his inconsistencies in the Kings during the NBA 2015-16 season.
Parent Herald previously reported that the changes in the Kings' coaching and organization contributed to McLemore's unimpressive gameplay in the past NBA season. McLemore averaged 7.8 points, 1.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game in the 2015-16 season.
The Knicks have signed shooting guard Justin Holiday as well. He is geared to be Lee's backup on the court, but there are rumors claiming that the Knicks is planning to trade Holiday in a deal in the future.
On the other hand, there are also rumors that the Philadelphia 76ers is eyeing McLemore for a trade with its point guard Kendall Marshall, The Sixer Sense reported. Aside from the Sixers, there are reports that the Atlanta Hawks wants to sign McLemore and Gay as well. The Hawks is willing to trade Mike Muscala, Tiago Splitter, Thabo Sefolosha, and the conditional pick from Minnesota for the two players.
In addition, there are reports claiming that the Knicks is interested in acquiring Jahlil Okafor from the Sixers. The Knicks could trade O'Quinn, Holiday, and a future draft for Okafor, Yibada reported.
Are O'Quinn and future draft picks a fair trade for McLemore? Do you think McLemore should go to the Sixers or the Hawks instead? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
