You would think a New York Knicks team with no clear path towards the NBA title would do all they can to please their young star, Kristaps Porzingis. You would think. Unfortunately, it appears that New York is going to have to trade a close friend to Porzingis, his teammate in the EuroLeague, Willy Hernangomez.
The 23-year-old big man was drafted in the second round of the 2015 draft about 30 picks after Porzingis was selected by the Knicks and he joined the team last season. The hopes were that the duo would become a potential interior tandem that could stretch the floor a little bit and protect the rim. Hernangomez has seen his minutes drop and he’s all but removed from the Knicks rotation, only playing some spot minutes in blowout games.
Some offseason moves over the years now present the Knicks with a logjam at the center position. While Joakim Noah will almost assuredly be on his way out of town soon, Hernangomez might be going right along with him.
Following comes from Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports.
Representatives for New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez requested for him to be traded ahead of Thursday’s deadline, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Hernangomez’s representatives informed Knicks officials of the trade request in recent days, league sources said, seeking a team in which he can continue his development as a young NBA center.
Several teams have engaged in talks for Hernangomez over the past month, league sources said.
He averaged 8.2 points, seven rebounds, 1.3 assists and 18.4 minutes in 72 games last season and was a member of the All-Rookie first team. Hernangomez has played in just 25 of the team’s 54 games averaging 4.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 9.2 minutes.