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NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 trades to help the Knicks clear the decks

By Ian Levy

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) before the New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball game on January 03, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) before the New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball game on January 03, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 15: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets warms up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 15: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets warms up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

4. Kicking the tires on Kidd-Gilchrist

Morris is enjoying a career year but he’s also the Knicks’ most important trade asset. He doesn’t figure into the team’s long-term plans, his skill set makes him useful to a variety of teams and his expiring deal makes him more appealing to potential suitors. The problem is that his salary — $15 million — is difficult for most playoff teams to match.

The Knicks would probably rather get more in a deal for Morris but it’s hard to find anything that gets them a useful young piece or a pick. The Hornets though, have some large salaries they aren’t going to retain long-term and in the midst of a season where making the playoffs and getting that experience and excitement might be more important than moving from the back of the lottery to the middle. They get a useful floor-spacer and shooter in exchange for Kidd-Gilchrist who has slid down in the rotation. He’s on an expiring deal as well so the Knicks get to see if the can reinvigorate his career and potentially bring him back on a cheaper deal, or cut him loose having lost nothing.

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