NBA Trade Rumors: Exploring whether the New York Knicks should trade for Jabari Parker, who has been discussed as an option at the deadline
According to a recent report from the New York Daily News, the New York Knicks have explored or are exploring the possibility of trading for Jabari Parker. The Knicks would send back Enes Kanter, and a sweeter of some kind – likely a second-round pick.
However, should the Knicks make such a move? Especially considering how bad Parker has looked through the first half of the season with the Chicago Bulls. I don’t think there’s a slam dunk answer here, although it wouldn’t be the worst move in the world for a team like the Knicks to take a shot on a young talent like Parker.
New York likely doesn’t plan on bringing Kanter back next season, so moving him at the trade deadline was always a no-brainer. As far as Parker moving forward, he has a $20 million team option for next season, so making a move for him at the deadline comes with relatively no risk.
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If the Knicks were to trade for Parker and he has a great second half of the season, they could always opt into the second year of his contract. Of course, that would mean losing a good chunk of cap space in the summer.
However, if the Knicks fail to land a big fish during the off-season, giving Parker a second look next season wouldn’t be the most terrible of decisions (assuming he has an encouraging second half of the year).
Parker will still only be 24 years old when the off-season arrives. And he just didn’t seem to work in the Bulls’ dynamic. He had some really great moments during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, and really hasn’t found the right situation for him. And I don’t think Parker can’t play in the NBA.
I think it has more to do with finding the right situation and role for him more than anything else. Perhaps the Knicks could be that spot for him. Parker is best suited to play the four in today’s NBA. Perhaps playing behind Kristaps Porzingis, when he returns, would be the ideal role for him as he attempts to resurrect his NBA career.
I don’t think the New York Knicks trading for Jabari Parker is a forgone conclusion, but I do believe it would be a good risk for this team to take moving forward.