Hawks, Magic Among NBA Teams Coveting Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. got his first start for the New York Knicks last weekend, and such returned favorable results for New York. The Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 92-85, but it appears the move will be short-lived. Smith started in place of Elfrid Payton, who was suspended for an altercation with Jae Crowder of the Memphis Grizzlies.
And while the development was a positive one, it appears Smith will be back to his role off the bench. Interim head coach Mike Miller seems pretty comfortable having Payton start for the Knicks, the New York Post reported. Hence, this has fuelled speculation once more that Smith will be dealt before the NBA trade deadline.
“I’ve answered your trade-deadline questions,” Smith said smirking. “No more trade deadline questions.”
Now, it will be interesting which team would be the trade dance partner of the Knicks. There are at least two teams reportedly keen on the 22-year-old guard. They are the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic.
Of the two, only the Magic seem to be on a course of making the NBA playoffs. Hence, interest in the 9th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft could be part of their plans to beef up their guard line. However, it does not make a bit of sense in a couple of fronts.
The Magic are using Markelle Fultz as their starting point guard and have the likes of D.J. Augustine and Michael Carter-Williams as alternates. Somehow, adding Smith could place him in the same situation unless tweaks will be made in the guard rotation of head coach Steve Clifford.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are practically on rebuild mode with the 2019-20 season lost. They are 15-33 and hardly ahead of the cellar-dwelling Golden State Warriors. The T-Wolves are expected to rebuild the roster with Smith looming as a logical choice.
Shabazz Napier is the T-Wolves starting guard, and their backcourt needs more talented cagers. Smith, part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade from the Mavericks, could be a key piece if the trade gets done. But who do the Knicks get in return?
The 2019-20 NBA season has been forgettable for the 6-foot-2 guard. Smith has played in only 25 games, averaging just 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. A look at Basketball-Reference.com shows him holding career averages of 12.9 points 3.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. A change in scenery could be better for Smith who already mentioned in the past he wants to relocate, the New York Daily News reported.