The New York Knicks seem interested in trading Cam Reddish for Reggie Bullock with the NBA Trade Deadline quickly approaching.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching quickly, and the New York Knicks have some moves to make. As the season continues, it is evident that New York needs to add some scoring punch off the bench. On top of that, they have players, such as Cam Reddish, Evan Fournier, and potentially Derrick Rose, that must be traded.
And while players like Eric Gordon, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, and others are on the trading block (as KFTV Jalen mentioned in his article), apparently, the Knicks are interested in a Reggie Bullock reunion.
I know, the guy that Thibodeau loved and New York’s front office let walk and replace with Fournier may be returning in a trade.
Marc Stein reported that the Knicks have “redoubled their efforts” to find Cam Reddish a new home. Furthermore, Stein also states that the Dallas Mavericks have entered the trade discussion along with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. And lastly, Stein mentioned that New York would want Dallas to send Reggie Bullock and a second-round pick in return for Reddish.
Now, a lot is going on in this report, so let’s break it down piece by piece.
Should the Knicks bring back Reggie Bullock?
During the 2020-21 Knicks season, Reggie averaged 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 44.2 field goal percentage, 41 three-point percentage, and 90.9 free throw percentage during 30 minutes per game in 65 out of 72 games of the shortened season.
While Reggie was a Knick, we know that the two-man game between him and Randle was one of the most utilized aspects of that roster – they averaged a 3.2 net rating together. Out of 248 made shots, Randle assisted Reggie on 117 of them (the next player that helped Bullock the most was Elfrid Payton with 50 assists). However, the same can’t be said for Reggie assisting Randle. Of Randle’s 602 made field goals, Bullock assisted on 36 of those shots (RJ had the most assists to Randle with 68, and then Payton with 55).
On top of that, Reggie was part of the reason the Knicks were a fourth-ranked defense that season. No, he wasn’t a lockdown defender, but he was still part of the recipe for that team’s defensive success.
So with all of that said, plus Bullock being one of Thibodeau’s favorites, it makes sense why the Knicks would be interested in Reggie returning to the Mecca. Unfortunately, Bullock isn’t necessarily what the Knicks need off the bench.
The first reason why Bullock wouldn’t be a good fit for New York is that his scoring has taken a dip. Bullock is averaging 6.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists with .376/.347/.654 shooting splits – keep in mind that he averages 29.5 minutes and has only missed two games. Not exactly the scoring punch desperately needed for a bench unit that ranks 26th in points scored.
In addition, New York needs someone who can score off the bounce and offer some playmaking. And while Bullock was serviceable as a 3&D player here, he wasn’t a shot creator, nor did he attack the rim consistently.
Since we’ve seen Quickley back on the bench, it has become even more apparent that the Knicks’ second unit needs another shot-creator and facilitator.
Quickley is now the bench’s primary scorer and initiator, and rightfully so. When it comes to scoring, he’s been better at creating his own shot from three and midrange instead of relying primarily on his pull-up or spot-up three-point shooting and floater. He can now use his body to take contact when driving for a layup or creating space for his turnaround midrange jumper (we’ve even seen some Brunson-esque footwork occasionally).
And as for Quickley’s playmaking, we know that he’s more than capable of finding open teammates off of quick reads in transition, and he’s also improved in facilitating during set plays.
But since Quickley is the only guy off the bench who can create his own shot, and he needs to be a playmaker, it’s a tricky balance.
Now I know what you’re thinking: Alex, didn’t you say Quickley has to balance his playmaking and scoring?! Yes, I did say that. But it becomes even more difficult when you’re the only player that can create their own shot. So just think how easier it is for someone like Brunson to balance scoring and playmaking because guys like RJ and Randle can create for themselves to some extent.
Is this an indictment on the front office for letting Bullock walk, to begin with?
There has been some recent criticism of the Knicks’ front office for letting Bullock walk and NOW wanting him back, considering there was a report that New York wanted to keep Reggie. The reason for the flack is that there seems to be a constant theme of a disconnect between Tom Thibodeau and the front office.
Now, if you want to say there was for Cam Reddish, I will agree with that one hundred percent (and more on that in a bit). As for the Bullock decision, not so much. After the 20-21 season, the thought was that the Knicks needed more shot-creators because Reggie was so limited in the playoffs, hence the Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier signings.
Yes, of course a coach would like to keep most of their players. But I believe most fans would agree that as much as Reggie was appreciated for his contributions, they would’ve wanted to see another player who could offer more of a scoring punch in that starting rotation.
On top of that, fans should probably be thankful for the front office moving on from Bullock because Grimes has the opportunity to play in the first unit. Now you could tell me that Grimes could’ve supplanted Reggie’s starting role, and that could be true. But we also know Thibodeau’s allegiance to start veterans.
The Cam Reddish trade was a failure in the end
Trading for Cam Reddish made sense last season. New York was able to move Kevin Knox (who they had no intent on re-signing) for Cam Reddish, who was falling out of favor with the Atlanta Hawks. Furthermore, the Knicks were able to add a 6’8” wing who is versatile on defense and adds some matchup problems on offense.
Sure, Cam didn’t come as a finished product. But the Knicks had the opportunity to insert him into the rotation last season to see if he could stick since New York was a struggling team. Unfortunately, Thibodeau wasn’t thrilled about the trade, and Cam came to the Knicks injured and couldn’t finish the season because of a shoulder injury.
When he had the opportunity to start this season, he was decent. Yes, he had his lapses, but that was the whole point of trading for him: to see if he could work through his struggles and be part of something bigger in New York. Sadly, Thibs stopped that when he went to a nine-man rotation after the first horrific loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
I understand the front office when it comes to trading for Cam. But to trade for a guy when it seemed like the coach was totally against the trade was a fumble on the front office’s part. I understand that executives have to make decisions in the team’s best interest, and they’re not always going to be on the same page as the head coach, but the front office should’ve understood that Thibs doesn’t tolerate young players who must work through their mistakes. We even saw Thibs pull Quentin Grimes last season for mishaps.
Knowing that Cam was inconsistent in Atlanta and needed a lot of time and opportunity to find his footing, the front office should’ve not entertained the idea of trading for Reddish. But hindsight is always 20/20.
Nevertheless, Reddish should be the team’s priority since he won’t get playing time in New York. But the market seems to be dwindling.
The Lakers just traded Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks for Rui Hachimura, so they’re off the table because Nunn was the contract that would be used to match Cam’s. So now that leaves the Bucks and the Mavericks. And based on a recent report from Michael Scotto, it seems like a swap of Grayson Allen for Reddish could be in the works – at least we know New York has a type of player they’re looking for, which is a 3&D shooting guard.
I would’ve liked to see Cam get a fair shot in New York. But neither of these trade options (Grayson Allen or Reggie Bullock) moves the needle since both players don’t provide enough shot creation and playmaking. Hopefully, there is a better trade we’re unaware of on the way.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out Knicks News, where CP, Alex, and Michael Scotto discuss the trade rumors and Mitchell Robinson’s injury!
