Knicks Pursue Major Deal to Land Promising Young Center

Some may contend that the New York Knicks already executed the most significant trade of the NBA offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges for five first-round picks. This move was clearly an all-in effort by the Knicks’ front office, but new reports indicate that team president Leon Rose isn’t finished yet.

According to veteran New York insider Marc Berman, the Knicks are still pursuing a “big center move” and may begin negotiations with Detroit and Houston for their young frontcourt talents.

“Leon Rose was in the front row of the press conference yesterday with Mikal’s mother. He didn’t speak, but he’s still active, aiming for a big center move following Philly’s two additions. I’ve heard that Houston’s Sengun has been on the radar, as well as Detroit’s Jalen Duren. This was even before the Pistons signed Paul Reed,” Berman noted.

The Pistons and Rockets have other players potentially hindering the future roles of Jalen Duren and Alperen Sengun. While Houston lacks a long-term starting center, they have veteran Steven Adams, who is more than capable, and Jabari Smith Jr., who, despite being the same height as Sengun, is better suited as a power forward.

In Detroit, Isaiah Stewart is committed to a $60 million, four-year contract starting this season, keeping him with the team through the 2027-28 season. Though Duren could still emerge as the Pistons’ long-term starting center, it’s evident other teams are interested in the rebounding-savvy center.

Sengun, 21, and Duren, 20, would both be significant upgrades for Tom Thibodeau’s team, providing the Knicks with a center who could still develop into a star.

Jalen Duren’s 2023-24 stats: 13.8 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 0.8 BPG
Alperen Sengun’s 2023-24 stats: 21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5 APG, 0.7 BPG, 1.2 SPG

With Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure in free agency, the Knicks are scrambling to recover. Although they still have Mitchell Robinson, who has also been involved in trade rumors this summer, acquiring the versatile Sengun or the defensively skilled Duren would provide a significant boost to their starting lineup.