NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 trades to rescue Kemba Walker

3. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina, Lance Thomas, Enes Kanter, Jarrett Jack and New York’s first-rounder for Kemba Walker and Dwight Howard

New York doesn’t have a ton of goods to acquire hometown boy Walker, but this deal could work. It hinges on the appeal to Charlotte of trading out Howard’s salary for Kanter’s, a switch that would save them about $12 million over two years. If they can stomach that, the package of Ntilikina and this year’s first is one of the better options they’ll see.

On top of that, saying goodbye to Howard would eventually allow Charlotte to move Cody Zeller back to the starting lineup, once he returns from December knee surgery. Kanter has played off the bench more often throughout his career than Howard. Thomas is in the deal as salary filler for New York, but could offer Charlotte a rotation player and future trade asset of their own.

Ntilikina has shown flashes alongside Big Apple star Kristaps Porzingis, showing us all what it looks like when Porzingis is supported by an above-average passer. He has never really had that in his career, and even this season, Jack is soaking up the majority of the minutes. A Walker-Porzingis pairing could hoist the Knicks into the playoff spot they desperately want.

New York’s first-rounder might be the best pick Charlotte finds in their negotiations for Walker.