The Knicks are in the mix for Lonzo Ball, though if they are unable to trade for him before the deadline, the franchise is a threat to steal him away in restricted free agency, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Ball could command a deal with a starting value above $18 million, ESPN’s Bobby Marks told Berman, and New York will have plenty of salary-cap space this summer to accommodate an offer sheet.
We’ve heard mixed reports on how serious the Pelicans are about Ball as a long-term piece. It’ll likely depend on the anticipated price of the extension for the former No. 2 overall pick whether or not New Orleans moves him before next week’s deadline.
New York also has been linked to Victor Oladipo, though Ball is higher on the team’s list than the Rockets guard, Berman adds. Charlotte’s Terry Rozier, who has been drawing interest from the Clippers among other teams, could also be an option for the Knicks.
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- It may be time for the Knicks to make a move for Andre Drummond, Berman contends in the same piece. New York’s frontcourt rotation isn’t the strongest with Mitchell Robinson out and rookie Obi Toppin clearly needs some time to grow in the league. The Knicks have eyes on the playoffs and depending on the price (which may only be a second-rounder plus matching salary), trading for Drummond could be the right move to keep the franchise afloat through the second half of the season.
- Several teams are eyeing Norman Powell ahead of the trade deadline, ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently relayed on an episode of The Lowe Post. Powell, who is likely to hit free agency this summer by way of turning down his $11.6 million player option, was previously rumored to be in the mix for Cleveland when the Raptors were entangled in Drummond talks, though those rumblings have fizzled.
- Should the Wizards make Robin Lopez available, they wouldn’t have a problem finding a home for the center, as we previously reported. Lopez is on a one-year, $7.3 million deal with Washington.
- ICYMI: The Warriors would only move James Wiseman for a “perennial All-Star,” as we recently relayed. Same goes for the 2021 pick they’re set to receive from the Timberwolves.
