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Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors interested in Frank Ntilikina

ByTony Pesta|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

According to a report, the Golden State Warriors are showing interest in New York Knicks’ young point guard, Frank Ntilikina.

Nearly 6 months without NBA basketball and we are talking about Golden State Warriors‘ trade rumors for Frank Ntilikina. It isn’t ideal – but could Ntilikina actually have a positive impact on the Warriors if they chose to take a shot on the young guard?

Let’s start off with the source of this report. It comes from Legion Hoops on twitter, an account with a decent following but no clear ties to the league. Nonetheless, they claim to have a source that states the Warriors are showing interest in Ntilikina while the Knicks are looking to trade him this offseason.

This is obviously not the most reliable source. But, with that being said, we do know for a fact that the Warriors are looking to add talent to this roster one way or another. Regardless of if this account knows what they’re talking about, let’s discuss how Frank fits with the team in the first place.

Ntilikina has played three seasons with the Knicks and is far from living up to the hype of being a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft. He has an ugly jump shot – shooting only 31.1 percent from deep for his career and below 40 percent from the field. He is a decent playmaker and has the potential to become better – but his best asset is by far his defense.

He is a low-to-the-ground defender with quick feet and long arms. Ntilikina does a great job of disrupting opposing ball handlers and would serve as a quality defender off the bench for Golden State.

The Warriors likely wouldn’t have to give up much to acquire Ntilikina as his stock in the league is pretty low after years of turmoil in New York. A few second-round picks and Jordan Poole could be all it takes – and it is all the Dubs’ should be willing to offer for such an unproven talent.

Nonetheless, Ntilikina is only 21 years old and could blossom into a really good perimeter defender. If there’s one thing we know about the Knicks it’s that they aren’t exactly trustworthy at bringing the best out of their young players. The Warriors could offer the perfect environment for Frank to reach his full potential.

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