Most of the trade rumors surrounding the New York Knicks focus on their frontcourt players, but point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is reportedly drawing interest from teams.
The Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have shown the most interest in Smith Jr., according to Ian Begley of SNY.
The Timberwolves have been seeking a long-term option at point guard, and while Smith Jr. might not be that answer, he could be a low-cost player to go after.
Smith Jr. has only averaged 17.0 minutes per game and has received two DNP-CDs (did not play-coach’s decision) since Mike Miller took over head coach for David Fizdale.
In the Knicks’ last game against the Atlanta Hawks, Smith Jr. showed that he is capable of filling up a box score, as he recorded eight points, five rebounds and five assists in just 13 minutes.
He was also on the floor for the team’s 21-0 run in that game.
It’s unclear what the Knicks would want in return in a potential Smith Jr. trade, but getting a first-round pick is highly unlikely.
The 22-year-old has come off the bench in every game this season but one, and has competed for minutes at point guard with Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina.
Smith Jr. showed flashes his rookie year for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, while being named to the 2018 NBA-All Rookie Second Team.
