Knicks reportedly 'interested' in former No. 1 pick for potential trade target

The New York Knicks may have their eyes on a surprising trade candidate to help out at center.

According to SNY's Ian Begley , the Knicks have reportedly been "interested" in Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton.

Begley reports that the Knicks "have done background work" on Ayton, though he notes that they have not spoken to the Blazers about Ayton.

The No. 1 pick in 2018, Ayton's career has stumbled after a promising first few years with the Phoenix Suns . Ayton had a strong postseason showing in 2021 as the Suns made a run to the Finals. Ayton did a solid job manning the middle for Phoenix, finishing easy baskets, cleaning the boards, and protecting the rim.

However, Ayton's relationship with former Suns coach Monty Williams became strained, and his time in Phoenix was not helped by lingering in restricted free agency in 2022. He returned to the Suns on a four-year, $132 million contract, but was traded to the Blazers last summer.

Ayton averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds in 55 games for the Blazers, but they were largely inconsequential minutes, as Portland went 21-61.

However, with Mitchell Robinson set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from foot surgery, the Knicks are thin at center. Ayton would be a major upgrade in size and skill at center, although it would require the Knicks sending out a high-salaried player to land Ayton.

The Knicks also hired Mark Bryant as an assistant coach this offseason. Ayton worked with Bryant in Phoenix and credited Bryant for helping to develop his game.

The price to acquire Ayton may ultimately be too steep for New York. But their rumored interest suggests they will be thinking beyond the most frequently named candidates to fix their center rotation .

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