The New York Knicks haven’t had a radical offseason, but they have added a couple of key components to improve their roster. That trend continues, as they have agreed upon a four-year, $16 million deal with big man Kyle O’Quinn, multiple reports have confirmed.
The Knicks will reportedly acquire O’Quinn via sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic. As part of the deal, the Magic will inherit cash and the right to swap second-round picks in 2019.
O’Quinn, 25, will head back to his hometown of Queens, New York after spending three seasons with the Magic. In those three years, O’Quinn averaged 10.5 rebounds per 36 minutes. At 6-foot-10, 250 pounds, O’Quinn is a suitable fit for the Knicks frontcourt, as he will be a strong and wide body in the middle.
O’Quinn has the ability to play either center or power forward, and he figures to see minutes at both positions with New York. Taken 49th overall by Orlando in 2012, he became a solid piece to the team which has earned him this nice paycheck.
Throughout his career, O’Quinn has averaged 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds, playing just 15 minutes per game.
The Knicks signed Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo most recently, mainly focusing on defensive players. O’Quinn is no stranger to that side of the floor, as he is an average shot blocker despite being undersized. As mentioned, O’Quinn is also strong enough to hold his own in the painted area against some of the bulkier big men in the league.
All in all, this will go down as another adequate move by the Knicks as they continue to shore up their roster.
For Orlando, they had some interest in retaining Kyle O’Quinn but ultimately decided to move on.
The sign-and-trade will be officially completed once the moratorium period ends on Thursday.