After reporting last week that at least a couple teams have inquired on Knicks swingman Damyean Dotson, Marc Berman of The New York Post provides some additional details, identifying the Pistons and Nets as the two teams that have shown the most interest in Dotson.
While Dotson is drawing interest from rival teams, there are no indications for now that the Knicks intend to move him. At the time of Berman’s initial report, Dotson has fallen out of New York’s rotation and hadn’t played in over a week, which perhaps prompted teams like the Pistons and Nets to poke around to see if the 24-year-old might be available.
Since then though, Dotson has reclaimed a regular role and has taken full advantage of the opportunity. Over the Knicks’ last four games, the former second-round pick has averaged 17.8 PPG with a scorching-hot .625/.650/1.000 shooting line in 26.1 minutes per contest.
David Fizdale‘s rotation in New York this season has been somewhat inconsistent, with players moving in and out of the lineup over the course of the season. Given Fizdale’s frequent shake-ups, there’s no guarantee Dotson will continue to receive regular minutes the rest of the way, but for now he looks like a potential low-cost keeper for the club.
If the Knicks do make Dotson available before this season’s February 7 trade deadline, his on-court production and his team-friendly contract would make him an intriguing target for either a playoff contender like the Pistons or a rebuilding club like the Nets. Dotson is earning just $1.38MM in 2018/19, with a non-guaranteed $1.62MM salary for 2019/20. He’d be eligible for restricted free agency in 2020.
Another of the Knicks’ 2017 draftees, Frank Ntilikina, has reportedly received some trade interest from around the league too, having been linked to the Magic, Suns, Grizzlies, and possibly the Nets.
I would like for the Knicks hold onto Dotson , Trier , Vonleh , Mudiay , and Robinson for next season … Those 5 along w Knox , Hardaway & Porzingis are good building blocks for next season roster … Add in a Lottery selection next June (crossing my fingers for Barret or Zion) along w some high end FA and things will finally begin to be fun again. Even if you can’t get a Durant Kyrie , or Leonard the team is moving in the right direction. You can wait until the next big name is available via hostage situation or free agency. It’s good that there is finally a process and Fisdale is running the ship in the right direction. It’s been a long time since the ship has even been steered right.
Dotson again. Berman’s still on fire with nonsense. Probably indicates that the Knicks’ FO has stopped talking to him. Unless the Knicks are the best poker players in the world (and they’re not), the Knicks aren’t trading for Wall (laughable, since it would contradict everything the regime has said and done since it took over), nor are they likely looking to move guys like Dotson or Frank.
Knick stories right now involve Trier (signing / converting / etc) and Lee (return and trade possibilities).