Three trade candidates for Knicks as deadline nears

Keep an eye on the New York Knicks as the Feb. 6 trade deadline nears. With a few expendable players and draft picks, the Knicks could make a move to improve their championship odds.

New York (24-13) could use help in the frontcourt, as its wing and big-man depth leave much to be desired. Here are three players who could help: 

1. Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson

Miles McBride (9.8 PPG) and Cameron Payne (6.9 PPG) have been solid for the Knicks off the bench, but neither is a premier scorer. Both are scoring at league average efficiency, but their volume is not ideal, especially considering they are the top scoring options off the bench. 

Clarkson could fix this. It makes little sense for the Jazz (9-25) to keep him around given their current timeline. Through 22 games, he is averaging 16 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists and has a true shooting percentage of 53.9, slightly below the league average. 

He isn't the most consistent scoring threat, but his volume could bring a needed spark off the bench for the right price. 

2. Memphis Grizzlies wing Luke Kennard

Once a starter for Memphis, Kennard may be an afterthought. He may not be the high-minute player he once was, but Kennard offers a low-risk, high-reward option for the Knicks off the bench if they swing a trade for him.

Playing 21.2 minutes a game this season, Kennard is still one of the league's premier shooters, knocking down 45.3% of his three-pointers while taking four a game. 

He won't provide much defense, but for a Knicks team that ranks 24th in three-point attempts, it sure seems like New York could use another shooter off the bench. Kennard wouldn't cost much to bring in. 

3. Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas

Rumors have swirled about a potential Valančiūnas trade for the Knicks. New York could use a backup big, but Valančiūnas doesn't fit the team's culture or playing style. However, he could offer scoring off the bench and is still a great rebounder.

In just 20 minutes a game, Valančiūnas is averaging 11.7 points and eight rebounds. These numbers may seem great for the minutes he plays, but there's more to Valančiūnas's game than the stats indicate. 

For one, he's a bad defender, something that could potentially sway the Knicks from making a trade given their already questionable rim protection. On the bright side, though, he's a relatively versatile scorer, ranking in the 94th percentile in long mid-range attempts. 

All three of these players have pros and cons in terms of what they'd bring to the Knicks. However, they all fit in their own way and likely wouldn't cost much. With holes to plug before the deadline, keep an eye on the Knicks to swing a trade or two.