New York Knicks trade rumors, Jalen Brunson injury update, Brunson ankle injury status, Guerschon Yabusele trade rumors, Knicks trade targets, NBA trade rumors, NBA trade deadline
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The New York Knicks are predicted to move one of their big men in new trade rumors, but a Jalen Brunson injury update remains more important.
The New York Knicks have slightly strayed away from their initial hopes as top title contenders heading into the season. While they still aren’t far off from securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference, theyare expected to make a trade before the upcoming February 5th deadline.
A pretty top-heavy team in head coach Mike Brown‘s first season at the helm, it is pretty safe to say all of the Knicks’ starters, including Mitchell Robinson, are safe for the time being.
However, as has been the case for the last few weeks, based on his play this season, Guerschon Yabusele remains the most likely player tradedfrom the Knicks by the time the deadline rolls around. He hasn’tbeen what was promised after signing with the team over the summer, and still sits behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Robinson on the depth chart, both unable to play big minutes,and inefficient whenhe’s on the court.
But amid all the Knicks trade rumors, a recent Jalen Brunson injury and subsequent update are still larger concerns for New York right now.
Knicks Predicted To Trade Guerschon Yabusele
While not necessarily a new update, signs have only grown that the Knicks intend to move away from Yabusele sometime soon. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, he and Pacome Dadiet remain the most likely players tobe traded, as neither has made anybig strides on this current roster.
Additionally, in a recent article on ESPN, Bobby Marks named Yabusele as the biggest candidate tobe used as a trade piece over the next few weeks.
“Yabusele has struggled to find a role with New York this season after averaging a career-high 27.1 minutes and 11 PPG with Philadelphia last season. Instead, he has been a DNP in three games and has played fewer than 15 minutes in his other 27 games,” he wrote. ” New York is $148,000 below the second apron, and trading Yabusele would allow the franchise to sign two players while remaining under the second apron.”
As Marks mentioned, the Knicks are pretty limited as to the trades they can make before the deadline, but all signs point to them targeting either a guard or wing player in hopes of securing at least some more depth for a playoff push.
But regardless of Yabusele’s future, whether it be in New York or elsewhere, he hopes toplay out therest of his contractin order to gainmedical coverage for his familybased on the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement.
In a recent mock trade offered up by Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, both Yabusele and Dadiet were moved to San Antonio in a deal that would see the Knicks add Jeremy Sochan. While unlikely, it is an interesting idea for both.
Jalen Brunson Injury Update
In much more pressing news is the status of Brunson, who suffered an ankle injury in New York’s latest game against the Sacramento Kings. He went down after just five minutes of game time following a rolled ankle when sizing up Maxime Raynaud, and did not return for the rest of the contest.
After the game, whichfinished in a loss for the Knicks, James L. Edwards of The Athletic reported that Brunsonwas not seen leaving the locker roomand arenain a walking boot orwith crutches, which, based on past NBA injuries, is a good sign for both Brunson and the team.
There has been no official update on his injury or potential return timeline from the franchise itself, but considering he was able to leave on his own power, is at least good news for New York’s franchise centerpiece. Brunson is currently eighth in the league in scoring at 28.7 points per game, and if the injury isn’t a long-term concern, will likely continue on his trajectory as an MVP and All-NBA first team candidate.
Additionally, the Knicks got good news on Landry Shamet, who has missed the last few weeks with a shoulder injury. According to Kristian Winfield of New York Daily News, Shamet, who was playing well before the injury, returned to on-court action, and could very well suit up sometime over the next few days.
Kristian Winfield
Landry Shamet practiced with the Knicks yesterday, says Mike Brown.
While Knicks trade rumors remain a big topic ahead of the deadline, details on Brunson’s injury, whenever they are released, will likely be a more pertinent issue, or lack thereof, for this Knicks team going forward.