According to a Knicks reporter, the team is considering trading for two centers this summer.
The addition of a backup center to the roster is what supporters of the New York Knicks want to see the front staff cross off their offseason to-do list next. The two best centers for the Knicks now that Isaiah Hartenstein is gone are Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims. Even though Robinson has a concerning injury history, he deserves to start again, and Sims hasn’t shown that he can be a reliable backup.
The squad is reportedly interested in centers, especially Walker Kessler, according to a number of rumors. The Knicks may be kept at bay if it is revealed by SNY’s Ian Begley that the Jazz rejected two first-round selections in favor of at least one first-round choice for the inexperienced center. Dealing with Danny Ainge is difficult.
Alperen Şengün and Jalen Duren are on Leon Rose’s radar, according to a tweet sent out on Wednesday by former New York Post writer Marc Berman.
According to Berman, the Knicks are considering \engün and Duren.
Duren is the one the Knicks can target more easily than \engün. Under Trajan Langdon, the Pistons have a new administration, which suggests that a Duren deal may occur. Compared to \engün, who is about to reach the last season of his rookie deal and is available to negotiate an extension, he would undoubtedly be less expensive. More than $200 million is predicted for him.
Şengün recently had a breakthrough season. With a 53.7% shooting percentage, he averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Duren shot 61.9% from the field and averaged 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Duren will be 21 in November, while Şengün will turn 22 later this month.
The Rockets center would take over as the starter player over Robinson if New York were able to acquire him, which may result in a trade. Given his defensive shortcomings, the Knicks may be able to keep Duren behind Robinson. Since he’s still young, he could improve that aspect of his technique.
In the event that \engün was traded, the Knicks would have to part up a number of assets. They still have selections they might use even after dealing for Mikal Bridges. It wouldn’t be nearly as hard to swap for Duren.
Perhaps Berman is correct. It’s obvious that New York isn’t happy with its depth at center, even if he isn’t. Leon is expected to make a move before the 2024–25 season starts.
