New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas looks like he is going to get his wish of getting out of the Big Apple, or at least Madison Square Garden.
ESPN’s Ian Begley reported on Tuesday morning that the Knicks are searching the trade market to deal Kuzminskas in order to make room for Joakim Noah.
Noah is making his way back from a 20-game suspension on Monday and the Knicks have to clear one of their 15 guaranteed contracts in order to get him back in the rotation, or at least back on the bench.
The veteran could serve as somewhat of a mentor to the younger Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn, who have forced Willy Hernangomez out of the rotation at center.
Given the way this season has started for the Knicks, Kuzminskas is a logical choice to trade. The 28-year-old has not been a part of the team’s rotation and has yet to appear in a game as he’s slated behind Tim Hardaway Jr., Doug McDermott and Lance Thomas at the small forward position.
It resulted in Kuzminskas’ representation going to the organization and asking to gauge the trade market, which they were granted permission in doing.
While his inability to find playing time could deter teams from inquiring, the Knicks at most will be looking for a draft pick in order to get Noah back. That could result in a low-risk, high-reward option for interested parties.
The Lithuanian was a decent contributor last year in New York, his first year in the NBA after coming over from the pro ranks in Spain. Appearing in 68 games, he put up an average of 15.1 points per 36 minutes while adding an outside threat from three-point range.
He could add depth to a team’s frontcourt while bringing an added punch to its three-point shooting.
