Reigning Sixth Man of the Year linked to Knicks as Immanuel Quickley replacement

Malcolm Brogdon was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics during the off-season. Brogdon was crowned as the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year last season after impressing while coming off the Celtics bench. However, the veteran guard is reportedly once more available via trade as the Trail Blazers continue to explore ways of adding future draft assets.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New York Knicks could be interested in bringing Brogdon to Madison Square Garden. The Knickerbockers are looking for a backup guard to replace Immanuel Quickley, who was sent to the Toronto Raptors as part of the OG Anunoby trade earlier this winter.

"Brogdon’s name has been mentioned as a potential Knicks target," Stein reported, "in their well-chronicled search for a guard to fortify their bench ever since they were forced to surrender Immanuel Quickley to Toronto in the Anunoby trade."

Brogdon has played in 32 games this season, averaging 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 43.7% shooting from the field and 41.2% from three-point range. His ability to lead an offense off the bench while also being a valuable defender will likely interest the Knicks' front office and coaching staff.

The Knicks will need to be wary of Brogdon's injury history, though. He has struggled for availability throughout the majority of his career. As such, counting on Brogdon to remain fit while playing under Tom Thibodeau's physical brand of basketball could be a risk. 

Still, Brogdon is the ideal bench guard for the Knicks. He would provide the veteran leadership the second unit needs while also keeping the offensive flowing when Jalen Brunson heads to the bench. Whether New York is willing to part with some of their trade assets to get a deal over the line will be another question. 

Nevertheless, Quickley does need to be replaced. Brogdon would be a risky-but-ideal option.