5 teams that should trade for Brandon Knight

By Roje Smith | Jan 3, 2017

Nov 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) pounds his chest after hitting a 3 point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Suns won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach Darren Erman takes over for head coach Alvin Gentry (not pictured) after he was ejected during the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have a pretty good stable of guards right now with Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans and Tim Frazier. However, Holiday and Evans are set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of this season. There’s a strong chance that one or both of them will sign with another team. Therefore, it might be in their best interest to trade for a guard that’s a good fit and a few years still left on his contract. Knight fits that bill perfectly and his addition can take some of the scoring burden off of Anthony Davis’ shoulders.

According to ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine, Evans or Holiday can be swapped for Knight straight up. The only question that remains is if the Suns would be interested in either deal. The addition of Tyreke would be interesting since he possesses play-making ability and can relentlessly attack the rim. He is also a bit more comfortable in a sixth man role. The main concern with him is his lengthy history of injuries. It’s a risk that Phoenix may not be willing to take.

As for Holiday, his injury resume isn’t light either, but he’s still very talented. He is also a player that’s very comfortable in a sixth man role and can handle it better than Knight. Additionally, Jrue doesn’t have the tendency to over-dribble like Evans so he may be a more coveted trade option.

Regardless of who they decide to move, it would be silly for the Pelicans to not inquire about acquiring Brandon Knight in exchange for Evans or Holiday. It’s a move that can potentially benefit both teams, though the Suns might not be interested in players who will hit free agency this summer.

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