After evidently showing interest in Josh Hart, the New York Knicks have now discussed a potential deal with the Portland Trail Blazers that would see Cam Reddish land in Portland.
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported the Blazers and Knicks have discussed a deal involving the two wings.
What Cam Reddish could bring to the Portland Trail Blazers
It has not been a well-kept secret that the Blazers are looking to move on from Hart before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. ET. The 27-year-old is essentially on a $13 million expiring contract and doesn’t fit into Portland’s long-term plans.
He is, however, coveted by a number of contenders around the league, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Knicks. Despite his offensive struggles this season, Hart’s defense-first attitude, energy, and intangibles would fit well with any team trying to make a playoff push.
He would be a snug fit in New York Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation as a versatile veteran defender.
Reddish, who would be only part of a return package Portland would receive, has been an enigma since entering the league. The physical profile of a starting-caliber three-and-D wing is obvious. That actual starting-caliber three-and-D wing has yet to consistently hit an NBA floor.
Reddish was the 10th overall pick in 2019 – if he gets moved before this year’s deadline, which is nearly a sure thing, it would be his third team in four seasons before he turns 24.
He has per-36 minute career averages of 15 points and 4.4 rebounds. At 6-8 with a 7-1 wingspan and elite athleticism, Reddish can also hound ballhandlers and get his hands into passing lanes.
Landing with Thibodeau and the Knicks at last year’s trade deadline was just about the worst possible outcome for Reddish as a player. He was buried at the end of the bench by Thibs almost the minute he arrived in New York.
While he was still part of the rotation in Atlanta the first half of last season, though, the former Duke standout was scoring nearly 12 points per game off the bench while shooting 37.9 percent from three on 4.5 attempts per game.
The Blazers would essentially be an NBA reset button for Reddish. He would see regular playing time again, which could possibly bring back the form he showed in Atlanta. He was an emerging player whose growth was stunted by a bad situation.
The ideal version of Reddish landed on the national radar during the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. He came off the bench for Atlanta and hit 6 threes against the eventual-champion Milwaukee Bucks while also showcasing how his athleticism and length can disrupt opposing offenses.
The major stumbling block, though, is that Reddish has never produced another meaningful game like that. His potential and physical traits simply have not translated into consistent production.
But, as evidenced by Utah’s Lauri Markkanen this year, the right situation can do wonders for a young player.
If Hart is on his way out, taking a flier on a 23-year-old who oozes potential isn’t the worst idea.