Quentin Grimes' tenure with the New York Knicks could be coming to an end. The third-year shooting guard is reportedly on the trade block as the Knicks look to replace Immanuel Quickley.
The Knicks need a secondary ball-handler to help keep their offense ticking over when Jalen Brunson goes to the bench.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Grimes is considered to be among the Knicks' primary trade candidates.
"One name to watch is Quentin Grimes," Katz reported. "The Knicks are actively fielding offers for the former first-round pick, according to rival executives who have been in contact with New York’s front office...The Knicks are targeting an extra ballhandler, someone who can help hold up the offense when Brunson is on the bench or even play alongside him."
The Knicks are actively fielding offers for Quentin Grimes, according to rival executives who've been in contact with them, and are hoping to land facilitating help behind Jalen Brunson.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 16, 2024
Story on the Knicks' objectives heading into the trade deadline: https://t.co/DloPowkztQ pic.twitter.com/4acLWDNAlm
Grimes, 23, has been relegated to a bench role for the majority of the season. He's averaging 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 40.5% shooting from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. Those numbers are similar to what he produced during his rookie season but have taken a sharp dip from what we saw last season. Of course, a change in role and a minute reduction have played a part in his declining production.
Still, Grimes likely has value around the NBA. Teams love to acquire young high-upside talent and attempt to nurture them into future stars. Whether the Knicks can leverage a package of Grimes, draft picks, and salary filler into a reliable bench guard will be interesting. Most of the high-level ball-handlers on the market have significant contracts, with teams potentially looking to bring back players that can make an immediate difference.
Nevertheless, the Knicks made their decision to move Quickley based on his contract situation and potentially losing him for nothing in the summer. It was the right move. Now, Leon Rose will need to be creative as he searches for Quickley's replacement to ensure the Knicks have enough depth to sustain a potentially deep playoff run.
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