Knicks’ Center Search Could Lead to Milwaukee
On November 3, the struggling New York Knicks were weighing potential trade options to strengthen their center depth, with Milwaukee Bucks big men Kel’el Ware and Jericho Sims presented as possibilities.
The Knicks’ difficulty reaching .500 has highlighted a lack of dependable center depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Andre Drummond remains a strong rebounder, but his finishing and defense limit what he can provide, while James Wiseman has done little in limited minutes to earn a larger role.
Milwaukee could become a trade partner after opening the season 1-6. Kel’el Ware, 22, is described as an attractive target for his rim protection, shooting and potential. New York could consider offering Miles McBride, though Milwaukee may be reluctant to give up a young player it acquired in the summer deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo away. The Bucks also recently exercised Ware’s fourth-year contract option.
A less costly possibility is Jericho Sims, a former Knick now buried on Milwaukee’s bench. The 28-year-old has played three games and 23 minutes this season. He is not expected to transform New York’s center rotation, but could offer rebounding and paint defense as a depth option. Possible packages mentioned include Pacome Dadiet with a second-round pick, or Tyler Kolek in a deal that could also bring a second-round pick to New York.
Sims already knows the team and the city, and could provide cover if Towns gets into early foul trouble and coach Mike Brown wants to limit Drummond’s workload. A deal sooner in the season would give New York more time to prepare an addition for a possible playoff role.