The Knicks have been active on the trade market, and are now looking at further options. New York kicked off the NBA trade season by acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second round pick. The Knicks are now looking to trade some players, including guard Quentin Grimes.
Quentin Grimes Minutes
Grimes has seen his minutes decrease as the season has progressed. In October and November, Grimes played 23.6 minutes per game. Since December, his playing time has dipped to 17.4 minutes per game. The former Houston Cougar is averaging 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 38.1 percent from three.
These numbers are significantly below his 2022-23 averages, where he contributed 11.3 points per game in 66 starts. Known for his defensive motor, Grimes is often tasked with guarding the opposition’s top perimeter threats.
Potential Teams For Knicks to Trade Grimes to
NBA insider Ian Begley recently appeared on SportsNet New York to discuss the rumors surrounding Grimes. “I think those calls will continue to come in ahead of the February 8th trade deadline, and I’m told there are a few teams in particular that have expressed some interest. It is the Hawks, the Rockets, and Memphis…Keep an eye on those teams as we get closer to the deadline with Quentin Grimes”.
The Hawks being one of the teams mentioned is intriguing. The Knicks have held interest in Atlanta’s All-Star guard Dejounte Murray for some time. A trade package comprising of Grimes, fellow guard Evan Fournier, and draft picks could be in the works. However, this seems unlikely given Atlanta’s high demand for Murray.
Houston and Memphis would either have to offer draft capital, or involve a third team in order to interest New York in parting ways with Grimes.
Does Grimes Want a Trade?
Reports coming out of New York have stated that the 23 year old is unhappy with his current situation. Grimes began the season as head coach Tom Thibodeau‘s starting shooting guard. However, he has since been replaced in the starting lineup by Donte DiVincenzo. DiVincenzo was the Knicks’ marquee free agent signing over the summer, signing a four-year, $47 million dollar deal.
This move took place following Grimes’ public outburst following the Knicks’ 122-146 In-Season tournament loss against the Milwaukee Bucks in which he maligned the lack of opportunities he was getting offensively. “It feels like if I don’t hit the shot, I’m coming out. So every shoot I shoot probably weighs like 100 pounds if I don’t make it, and our defense, it ain’t cutting it, so I know I ain’t going back in,” a frustrated Grimes told the New York Post. “It’s just hard when you go the whole quarter without touching the ball, the whole second quarter without toucjing the ball, and then you get one shot and you got to make it…It is what it is.”
Grimes was once thought of as a key component of the Knicks future. New York considered him untouchable in trade discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Donovan Mitchell.
