NBA Rumors: New York Knicks targeted Terry Rozier at the trade deadline

NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, the New York Knicks were interested in acquiring Terry Rozier at the NBA Trade Deadline.

The New York Knicks have been one of the most polarizing franchises in the NBA in recent history. Whether it be because of their lack of success or their constant missteps in their attempt to accelerate a rebuild, one thing is clear: the Knicks aren’t bad because of their lack of trying.

Say what you want about this team’s front office or their leadership over the last few decades, but this team continues to try and put the best possible roster on the floor year in and year out.

Even though it hasn’t worked out on most occasions, the Knicks aren’t afraid to stick their heads out and make a risky move. One of their most recent ways of doing so, it appears, was trying to trade for Terry Rozier at the NBA Trade Deadline.

According to a recent report, the Knicks wanted to put together a package, centered around Julius Randle, that would’ve landed the 26-year-old point guard.

"But prior to the news of the [new Knicks president Leon] Rose hire, there was strong support in some corners of the organization to try to acquire Charlotte guard Terry Rozier, per sources.The framework of one deal that had internal support sent Julius Randle, Smith Jr. and a future first-round pick to Charlotte for a package that included Rozier and Malik Monk, per sources."

After a couple of solid seasons with the Boston Celtics, Rozier signed a three-year, $58 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets over the summer. Rozier was averaging 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 42 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.

The Knicks need a starting point guard, especially if they’re not still sold Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr., and Elfrid Payton likely isn’t their long-term answer at the position. Perhaps the Knicks will address the position at the NBA Draft – again – but it’s no surprise that the team would be interested in Rozier.

After missing out on the deal, it’ll be interesting to see how this management approaches the offseason. Will they target another point guard via trade (potentially Chris Paul)? Will they draft a point guard? Will they run back the roster?

If history is any indication, one thing is sure. If this team doesn’t think they are set at the position, they aren’t going to sit around without being proactive for very long.