New York Knicks monitoring trade availability for these three guards

New York Knicks, Collin Sexton, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Terry Rozier, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

For what seems like forever, the New York Knicks have had a hole at the point guard position. New York made the NBA postseason this year, but the point guard spot remains a glaring need.

Elfrid Payton has manned the position for the last two seasons, but a change is needed. Retaining Derrick Rose to man the second unit would make sense as he and Immanuel Quickley developed some good chemistry off the bench together.

There have been plenty of rumors about the Knicks being where Portland Trail Blazers’ superstar point guard Damian Lillard could end up via trade. A recent report stated that the Knicks would have some interest in a package including rising star RJ Barrett in a deal for Lillard.

If the Knicks swing for the fences for a player of that caliber, Barrett will almost assuredly be included in that deal. While there are plenty of positives to acquiring a player such as Lillard, does the team want to gut the roster they have built up so well in recent years, ala when they acquired Carmelo Anthony?

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Hornets-Knicks trade is focused on Terry Rozier to New York

If the Knicks can acquire Lillard without including Barrett, virtually every Knicks fan would sign up for that. If talks stall because of Barrett being held out, the Knicks are already working on contingency plans.

According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, the Knicks have identified three younger point guards they could target in a trade this offseason.

“If both the Trail Blazers and Wizards are uninterested in a deal, the source says the Knicks are also monitoring Cleveland’s Collin Sexton, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Charlotte’s Terry Rozier as younger guards the franchise can fold into its plans for the future.”

Of those three, the Knicks should work hardest to land Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While he may cost the most of the three in a trade, he is the most versatile, well-rounded of the three with the highest ceiling.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Knicks already preparing for a potential Damian Lillard trade

Terry Rozier is a free agent after this season, so if the Knicks are interested in him, they should wait to sign him and not surrender any assets. His style of play fits what Tom Thibodeau is looking for. Collin Sexton would probably cost in the middle of the other two, but his scoring prowess would be a welcomed addition.

With RJ Barrett and Julius Randle as capable playmakers, the New York Knicks don’t need a point guard in the traditional sense that will initiate all the offense. They need someone that will play strong defense at the point of attack and can help break down opposing defenses, whether that is as a floor spacer or shot creator, so Barrett and Randle can get to work attacking the basket.

Curry’s Stellar Performance Guides Warriors Past Knicks 110-99

Stephen Curry‘s rebound from a scoreless first half in his previous game to a double-double by halftime powered the Golden State Warriors to a 110-99

New York Knicks’ Josh Hart Opens Up About Team’s Recent Skid

Injuries are something that every NBA team has to deal with throughout the season. Some teams are luckier than others, as they avoid the big

Warriors Trade Proposal Lands Josh Hart From Knicks

Every team in the NBA needs to have a plan. They can rest assured that their competition is planning. They’re guaranteed to fall behind if