Fresh off the heels of a blockbuster trade, one that brought Mikal Bridges across the bridge, the New York Knicks are looking to continue making big moves, this time setting their eyes on a set of talented centers.
Marc Berman of the New York Post has reported on Twitter that the Knicks have shown interest in potentially trading for Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun and Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren. It is believed according to Berman that Knicks president Leon Rose wants to add a big-time center to the team. Sengun and Duren are the two guys to fill this role.
Sengun or Duren in New York?
It’s easy to see why the Knicks would try to lure either of those talented bigs.
Sengun, who was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2021 draft and is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is coming off a solid third season. That season saw him average 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 53.7% from the field in 63 games. He played a significant role in the Houston Rockets’ remarkable turnaround, which saw them win 41 games last season, up from 22 a season prior. He showcased all-star potential throughout, which netted him an NBA Most Improved finalist.
Despite no rumors that the Rockets will look to trade their talented center, the franchise reportedly opted not to give the great big man an extension that would have been worth up to five years, 223.2 million, according to Athletic.
Meanwhile, Jalen Duren proved stellar in the second year of his career, posting 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 61.9% from the field. Despite playing for a Pistons team that only won 14 games, he proved to be a massive bright spot on the team and, on most nights, looked like one of the best players on the floor.
The Pistons could look to possibly shake things up in an effort to be competitive next season.
What The New York Knicks Need at the Five
It makes sense that the Knicks would be looking to solidify their center position.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who was an integral part of the Knicks’ success last season, signed a three-year $78 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and things seem to be up in the air for Mitchell Robinson, whose name has also come up in trade talks in recent weeks. Robinson signed a deal to remain with the Knicks up to 2026, however he would suffer some massive injuries throughout his time In New York.
Considering the Knicks are fresh off one of their best seasons since 2012-13, which saw them finish second in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record, and seeing how they manage to make the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs before falling to the Indiana Pacers in a soul-crushing game seven.
Any move they make in the offseason will be aimed at competing with some of the best in the East, such as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and a healthy Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers have improved by signing former Clippers forward Paul George along with Eric Gordon and Caleb Martin. These players will look to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in a playoff run. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to bring back a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard after dealing with some massive injuries in the NBA Playoffs.
The Celtics have done everything in their power to keep their championship core together and are hoping to be right back playing in the NBA Finals. This leaves the New York Knicks fighting to make the right trade to build up their strength in the East.
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