Frank Ntilikina may be on a new team soon.
The Knicks are “extremely open” to moving Ntilikina in exchange for a late-first or early-second round pick in the 2019 draft, according to a report from the New York Post.
New York has been shopping the 20-year-old guard and he reportedly “desires a relocation." But, Ntilikina’s new agent, Bouna Ndiaye denied that was the case during an interview with the Post in late May.
“I can just tell you that the fact he was not traded has nothing to do with this change of agent,” Ndiaye said. “Frank is extremely happy to be part of the Knicks.”
Ntilikina struggled with a groin injury and was limited to 43 games in 2018-19. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.8 assists while hitting just 28.7% of his 3-point attempts.
Multiple teams, including the Timberwolves, Magic, Grizzlies, Nets and Suns, all reportedly showed some level of interest in Ntilikina before the trade deadline.
Ntilikina, the No. 8 pick in the 2017 draft, had an up-and-down rookie season, as well. He was in and out of New York’s rotation in 2018-19.
The Knicks hold the third and 55th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. They’re also expected to pursue top free agents this summer, including Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and Kevin Durant, who ruptured his Achilles in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
“We’re excited about where we are,’’ Knicks president Steve Mills said in May. “We know we’ll get a good player at three. So, it’s something we’re excited about and look forward to. We want to build this team the right way. We’ve always said we’re going to continue to work hard during the draft process. We believe we’re a team that can draft well.”
The Knicks finished the season with a 17-65 record. They last made the playoffs in 2012-13.
