As has been the case seemingly forever, the New York Knicks are entering this NBA offseason hoping to find a starting-caliber point guard. They went into last season with Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose as their options in the backcourt and ended it with Alec Burks running the show as Walker and Rose played in a combined 63 games; 37 for Walker and 26 for Rose.
The Knicks need someone that can run the show in the worst way, as they struggled in late-game situations. There was no one to settle the team down as they settled for isolations and uninspired pick-and-rolls late in the shot clock.
There will be some solid options available to the Knicks this offseason to fill the void in their backcourt. Jalen Brunson is someone that they have been linked to, as the Dallas Maverick is earning more and more money with each passing game in the 2022 NBA Postseason. Tyus Jones is another player to keep an eye on with his steady playmaking and 3-point shooting.
If the Knicks go the trade route, more options become available. One intriguing target would be Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton played in only 11 games before injuring his meniscus and missing the remainder of the season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Early Impact Targets For New York Knicks In NBA Offseason
Sexton has been dragged through the mud in the media by some anonymous teammates in the past, but this is a 23-year-old gamer who averaged 24.3 points and 4.4 assists per game during the 2020-21 season. There is something to work with there and depending on the price, the Knicks should show some interest in him.
As a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers can match any offer sheet that Sexton signs. As one of the up-and-coming teams in the league, Cleveland could opt to move on from him and add more pieces to the roster. A sign-and-trade could work for both sides.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Early Impact Targets For New York Knicks In NBA Offseason
One deal that could work is the Knicks getting Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler in exchange for Alec Burks, Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel and a 2023 First-Round pick via the Mavericks.
Cleveland is getting some much-needed 3-point shooting in Burks and Fournier. All three players are veterans with some playoff experience as well, something the Cavaliers are lacking beyond the holdovers from the LeBron James era. They also pick up a first-round pick as another asset.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Early Impact Targets For New York Knicks In NBA Offseason
For the Knicks, they are getting a starting point guard in Sexton that will help boost their offensive attack. They are also clearing out a lot of the logjam on the wing, opening up significant minutes for Cam Reddish and Quentin Grimes.
While not a prototypical point guard, Sexton is a dynamic scorer that would help make like easier for RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, should he remain on the roster. While his size presents some limitations, especially on defense, you’ll never have to worry about a lack of energy or effort coming from Sexton.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Early Impact Targets For New York Knicks In NBA Offseason
Surrounded by the right group of teammates, Collin Sexton’s defensive deficiencies will be able to be hidden. Barrett and Randle are strong enough secondary playmakers as well to help carry the load there, too, as Sexton still learns the intricacies of being a point guard in the NBA.
