Knicks gauging Jericho Sims’ trade market ahead of…
Jericho Sims, not too long ago faraway from New York’s rotation and inactive Monday with back spasms, is being shopped ahead of subsequent month’s trade deadline, NBA sources who’ve been in touch with the staff instructed The Post.
The heart, among the many franchise’s longest-tenured gamers, has been in-and-out of the rotation and was not too long ago changed by Ariel Hukporti on a “game-to-game” foundation, in response to Tom Thibodeau.
Sims additionally began three video games this season — all missed by Karl-Anthony Towns as a result of of accidents.
Knicks heart Jericho Sims (20) drives to the basket during the second half towards the New Orleans Pelicans. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
It’s unclear what the Knicks can retrieve for Sims however a source mentioned a second-round decide was one ask.
The 26-year-old has garnered some curiosity across the NBA.
But he’s additionally a robust promote on the market as a participant who’s out of a rotation and can develop into a free agent in the summertime.
The Knicks can also add one other heart this season, Mitchell Robinson, who, in response to Tom Thibodeau, stays on tempo to return to observe this month after a long restoration from ankle surgical procedure.
Sims’ future is also tied to Robinson’s return, and whether or not it’s earlier than the Feb. 6 trade deadline, a source mentioned.
Robinson nonetheless hasn’t begun sprinting, nonetheless.
Knicks heart Jericho Sims (20) blocks New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“That’s the next step,” the coach mentioned. “He’s doing some light shooting right now.”
Sims’ remaining deal is simply $2.1 million and expiring. The Knicks, who’re working above the primary apron, can’t take back more wage than they’re sending out.
The 58th decide within the 2021 draft, Sims represented the Knicks’ solely frontcourt reserve within the rotation for opening 20 video games of this season as Precious Achiuwa sat with a strained hamstring.
Knicks heart Jericho Sims #45, capturing the ball as heart Mitchell Robinson #23, seems to be on during observe. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Sims’ offense remained a battle however his paint protection garnered constant reward from Thibodeau.
With Towns nursing knee soreness, Sims began final week’s loss to the Magic and logged 29 minutes with 10 rebounds.
He performed 4 minutes two nights later in a win over the Raptors, then turned the Knicks’ solely DNP in video games towards the Thunder and Bucks.
His late scratch Monday with the back harm was not associated to any imminent trade, a source mentioned.
Instead of utilizing Sims for backup minutes within the earlier two video games earlier than Monday’s matchup towards the Pistons, Thibodeau turned to Hukporti, the 22-year-old from Germany.
Hukporti’s one-year contract turned totally assured Friday.
“Just where we are,” Thibodeau mentioned. “Just looking at different things.”
The upside with Sims resides in his elite athleticism.
He’s a former Slam Dunk contestant who can clear the rim along with his head.
However, Sims is restricted offensively and by no means earned the trust from Thibodeau to develop his recreation past setting screens, crashing the boards and dunking.
He’s averaging a career-low this season in factors (1.7) and minutes (11.6) whereas showing in 32 video games.
New York’s frontcourt depth has been a key query since preseason when Robinson’s restoration from a second ankle surgical procedure.
A source mentioned the Knicks are exploring totally different prospects of buying frontcourt depth — however are concurrently procuring Sims.
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