Could Knicks Add Another Villanova Alum at Trade Deadline?
While the New York Knicks' outside shooting has drastically improved from last season (up to 11th in three-point percentage after falling to 24th), they'll likely keep it in mind as they look for further reinforcements before Feb. 8's trade deadline.
That could lead them to re-opening their research into current Saddiq Bey, who was reportedly considered at last year's deadline before they opted for Josh Hart instead.
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Bey, 24, might get looks from New York if only for his Villanova connections: while he never played with current Wildcats-turned-Knicks Hart, Ryan Arcidiacono, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo, he earned his fair share of achievements under head coach Jay Wright, including All-American honors and the Julius Erving Award (bestowed to the nation's top small forward) at the end of the 2019-20 season.
At last season's deadline, SNY's Ian Begley reported that the Knicks "registered some interest" in Bey, then stationed with the Detroit Pistons. He was instead moved to Atlanta in a four-team deal that also involved Golden State and Portland.
"Bey, obviously a Villanova guy, (and a) wing, could help the Knicks from a depth perspective," Begley said at the time.
In 42 games this season, Bey is averaging 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game so far this season. He's shooting a career-worst 31.2 percent from three-point range this year but previously hit 40 during his first 25 games with Atlanta the year prior.
Combined with a strong defensive skillset, Bey could become a solid addition to the Knicks' depth. While he's struggling from the field this time around, keeping at a dozen-point pace should help overcome the loss of Immanuel Quickley's lost offensive production since shipped to Toronto.
New York (26-17) doesn't face Atlanta again until March 5. In the meantime, the Knicks will be back in action on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
