Though Christmas has passed, the New York Knicks seem to be gearing up for another season of holiday shopping.
A report from Knicks insider Stefan Bondy of the New York Post on Monday revealed that the team is “gauging” interest in trading center Jericho Sims, with the trade deadline looming on February 6. Earlier, Ian Begley of SNY suggested that the Knicks would be open to trade inquiries about Sims, and Bondy provided further details in his report.
“It’s unclear what the Knicks could get in return for Sims, but a source mentioned that a second-round pick was one possibility,” Bondy stated. “The 26-year-old has sparked some interest across the NBA.”
As one of the longest-tenured players on the roster and one of the few to be drafted by New York, Sims has been a reliable option for frontcourt depth, primarily stepping in to back up Karl-Anthony Towns after injuries to Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson. Bondy also noted that any potential trade involving Sims could depend on the return of Robinson, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since last season.
Although Sims has started in place of Towns during his absences (making three starts this season), his playing time has decreased with Achiuwa’s return and the growing presence of rookie Ariel Hukporti. With Robinson expected to return in February, Sims’ role in the Knicks’ rotation has become uncertain. He’s averaged less than 14 minutes per game over his first three-plus seasons and has struggled to find a consistent role.
After appearing in each of the first 23 games this season, Sims has seen his minutes drop to under nine per game, along with averages of 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 points. He was held out of Monday’s 124-119 loss to Detroit due to back spasms, although Bondy clarified that the absence wasn’t related to any imminent trade. Sims was also inactive for the last two games, both of which were decisive wins, and was the only Knicks player not to see the court.
It seems that Sims’ time in New York may be winding down, and he could become one of the Knicks’ most tradable assets. The team’s next game is on Wednesday night when they begin a short road trip to Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).
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