Trade rumors: Ranking the Rockets top-9 trade partners

Houston Rockets trade partner rankings: 4. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have been a struggling franchise for decades now, despite the popularity of their locale. But to their credit, they are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, making it a bit tricky to gauge what their approach to the trade market will be.

On one hand, they could seek to further their improvement by making some key moves. On the other, they may not want to significantly disrupt what is currently the most successful season they have had in a while.

With that being said, they have some players that could appeal to the Rockets. Frank Ntilinka, Obi Tippen, Kevin Knox II, and Mitchell Robinson are all under 24 years old and show potential, albeit in varying degrees.

Elfrid Payton and Nerlens Noel are also reliable enough players that are under 30 and are on expiring contracts. But the Knicks’ most significant trade value comes from their draft capital.

New York has by far the highest amount of draft compensation to offer the Rockets, something that Houston is looking for at this phase in their rebuild. The Knicks currently have first-round picks through 2027, as well as many second-round picks.

There are several package combinations the Knicks could offer the Rockets if the two engaged in trade talks. Their healthiness in both asset categories makes them one of the better potential suitors for the Rockets.

Depending on what New York’s goals are going forward, there could be an interesting trade between them and Houston in either the off-season or by the trade deadline. The ball is in the Knicks court and they might not want to waste a chance at the playoffs after so many down years.

Next: #3