Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
It's logical to think that there are no players on the Knicks' roster who are off limits when it comes to potential trades, but 2017 first-round pick Frank Ntilikina is one player who members of the organization are open to listening to offers on, sources confirm.
Ntilikina has been a part of trade rumors for several months, and according to sources, at least one team that has talked to the Knicks said the team asked for a second-round pick in exchange.
Ntilikina recently signed with French agent Bouna Ndiaye after parting ways with his previous agents at CAA.
He hasn't been at the Knicks training facility and hasn't attended any Finals games with Knicks coaches as some other young players on the roster have. Those reading the tea leaves see that as further evidence that Ntilikina isn't in the club's future plans.
Ntilikina was a first-round pick under then team president Phil Jackson. Current team president Steve Mills was the GM at the time and said after the draft that he was in favor of selecting Ntilikina. Current Knicks GM Scott Perry was not with the club when Ntilikina was drafted.
Ndiaye, Ntilikin's new agent, said last month that the 20-year-old with a seven-foot wingspan looks forward to remaining in New York.
Ntilikina is entering his third season with the club and carries a $6.18 million option for the 2020-21 season. If his option is declined -- the deadline to exercise or decline it is Oct. 31 -- then he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Ntilikina was limited to just 43 games due to various injuries last season. He averaged 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. In his career, he has averaged 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists.