Knicks Trade Rumors: Could Kelly Olynyk Hold Down Center for Isaiah Hartenstein?
An injury to Isaiah Hartenstein could force the New York Knicks to change their strategy for the upcoming NBA trade deadline.
Hartenstein, the Knicks' starting center since Mitchell Robinson went down with a long-term injury, left Saturday's game against Toronto early with an injury and did not play in Tuesday's win in Brooklyn with a "left Achilles tendinopathy."
With that in mind, Bobby Marks of ESPN suggested that the Knicks trade for tenured veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, currently stationed with the Utah Jazz. Marks' proposed deal sends Evan Fournier, a 2025 second-round pick originally owned by Brooklyn, and the Knicks own second-rounder in 2027 to Salt Lake City.
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While "left Achilles tendinopathy" could be a fancy way of saying "soreness," the fact that he missed a game with an Achilles injury instead of an ankle ailment is slightly more concerning. Jericho Sims took over Hartenstein's spot in the starting five on Tuesday while newcomer Precious Achiuwa pulled in a season-best 11 rebounds after his early exit over the weekend.
A good number of Knicks trade chatter has centered on replacing Immanuel Quickley's 15 points a game in relief but Hartenstein's injury could force them to shift their focus to the frontcourt. To that end, Olynyk could be the immediate cure for the Knicks to aid their frontcourt injury woes.
Set to turn 33 in April, Olynyk is averaging eight points per game for the Jazz this season in what's primarily a relief role. He also can space the floor out differently than someone like Hartenstein and could also act as the team's backup power forward, which has been a position of need ever since the offseason trade of Obi Toppin.
Olynyk is making just over $12 million this season and is set to hit free agency in the summer, so the second-round picks and Fournier's salary to match is a more-than-fair offer that also allows the Knicks to hold onto their top assets for a bigger trade down the line. Time will tell if they opt to take that route, which could hinge on Hartenstein's long-term health.
