After securing star point guard Jalen Brunson with a team-friendly extension, the New York Knicks are now focused on acquiring a backup center, as per SNY’s Ian Begley.
“Who will fill the backup center role behind Mitchell Robinson? He has a history of injuries, so we need someone who can start around 30 games next season,” Begley commented on SNY’s SportsNite on July 13. “The Knicks have been in contact with Precious Achiuwa, their own free agent, and have also engaged in casual trade talks for high-salaried veteran centers.”
Achiuwa, primarily a power forward, showed promise with the Knicks during the regular season when injuries sidelined Robinson and Julius Randle. However, at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa may struggle against taller opponents like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kristaps Porzingis in the playoffs if Robinson is unavailable.
On the trade market, high-salaried centers potentially available include Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks and Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks. Marc Stein reported as early as May 19 that the Hawks were considering making Capela available.
Capela, aged 30, is on an expiring $22.3 million contract and averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds last season, with a league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds per game in certain matchups.
Meanwhile, the Bucks are reportedly open to trading the 36-year-old Lopez for a first-round pick, according to Gery Woelfel of Woelfelspressbox.com.
Lopez, standing 7-foot-1, earned accolades for his shot-blocking ability, averaging 2.4 blocks per game last season while contributing 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. His strengths lie in rim protection but have been criticized for occasional struggles in switching defense.
While Capela and Lopez are starting centers for their teams, it remains uncertain if the Knicks have engaged in serious trade discussions with them. Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto reported the Knicks have also shown interest in young centers Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets.
Richards, a 7-footer with a 7’4 wingspan, showed significant improvement last season, starting in 51 of 67 games for the Hornets and averaging 10.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game as a starter.
Kessler, known for his shot-blocking prowess, was highly sought after, with the Knicks reportedly showing interest. However, Utah has set a high asking price, demanding at least one first-round pick in previous discussions.
As the Knicks continue their pursuit of a backup center, all eyes remain on how these potential acquisitions could bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.