Knicks Emerged as Top Contenders for Rockets’ Young Guard in Upcoming Offseason Trade

So far this season, the New York Knicks have excelled and positioned themselves among the leading teams in the Eastern Conference.

During the regular season, New York secured the third spot in the Eastern Conference, and they proceeded to the second round of the playoffs following their victory over the Detroit Pistons in six games during the opening playoff series.

Currently, the Knicks are facing off against the Boston Celtics in the second round, where they managed to secure a win in Game 1, giving them a 1-0 advantage in the series.

Although New York has had an impressive season with key players like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, they might consider acquiring another top-tier talent during the upcoming off-season.

Certainly, the Knicks have been speculated to be a possible destination for both Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, they've also become frontrunners to secure a promising young guard from the Houston Rockets during the upcoming offseason.

Bovada indicates that the Knicks have the second-highest probability (+2500) of landing Jalen Green from the Rockets during the upcoming off-season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are the favorites at +2000 odds to secure his services, with the New York Knicks being trailed by the Miami Heat at +2800 and the Los Angeles Clippers also at +2800.

There have been doubts about Green's future with the Houston team following his performance issues during their first-round matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The series ultimately concluded in favor of the Warriors after seven intense games.

As a result, the young guard might become available during the offseason as the Rockets aim to bring aboard an additional superstar to join Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.

Even so, the Knicks might hesitate to dismantle their key players just to secure Green this coming summer. This is particularly true because obtaining him could require them to trade one of their star athletes to equalize the salary requirements.

Although that might hold true, New York has the option to take action during the offseason if they experience another early playoff departure this season; however, it’s likely they will aim for high-profile players such as Giannis or Durant instead.