“Knicks’ Pursuit of Rockets’ Star Alperen Sengun Faces Hurdles, Potentially Mirroring Isaiah Hartenstein’s Comeback Story”
The New York Knicks won’t have the opportunity to trade for Houston Rockets’ standout center Alperen Sengun this summer.
According to Will of Bradeaux and Will on X, Houston’s general manager Rafael Stone quashed any rumors about the franchise considering trade offers for the Turkish big man, as reported by Jeremy Brener of Athlon Sports’ Inside the Rockets:
“Alpi’s gonna be with us next year. We get calls on all our young guys. We have no interest in moving him,” Stone stated. The Rockets are confident in Sengun, who is leading their young core alongside Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., and believe he can be pivotal in their rebuilding efforts.
The Knicks could have benefited from his versatile game. The 6-11 center averaged 21.1 points on 15.6 shots per game. Last season, he ranked second among all centers with five assists per game and recorded two triple-doubles. He also placed second among centers with 1.2 steals per game. While Sengun’s finesse play is impressive, the Knicks have traditionally relied on energetic, screen-setting centers who crash the boards and protect the rim. Sengun’s style contrasts with this approach, and with his career on the rise, he may soon reach All-Star status.
If the 21-year-old had joined the Knicks, he would have had to share the ball with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Julius Randle—three of whom are 20-plus point-per-game scorers, with Anunoby potentially reaching that level with an increased role. Integrating Sengun might have been challenging given the team’s existing offensive dynamics.
