Knicks interested in D’Angelo Russell as NBA trade deadline nears

With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline looming, the Knicks are reportedly eyeing D’Angelo Russell.

The New York Times reported late Sunday that the Warriors are “listening to pitches” for Russell, who came to Golden State just last summer in a sign-and-trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Nets. The Knicks are one of those teams pitching potential trade packages, according to The Athletic.

It’s unclear how far along talks have gone, though SNY reported that forward Bobby Portis and point guard Frank Ntilikina were mentioned in conversations. It could be an active time for the Knicks’ point-guard dilemma: The Post reported Sunday that the Magic and Timberwolves were interested in Dennis Smith Jr.

Russell, the Lakers’ No. 2 pick in 2015, signed a four-year maximum contract with Golden State in July. The timetable for the Warriors to make a deal is a little murky. They are motivated, however, by a desire to lessen their luxury-cap stress as they look to rebuild a team around Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

With Thompson (torn ACL) out this whole season and Curry (broken hand) most of it, the 11-39 Warriors are in a gap year before they hope to return to NBA contention. The 23-year-old Russell, who was an All-Star last season, has averaged 23.8 points and 6.3 assists this season in 32 games.

Golden State could opt to hold on to him until this upcoming offseason, which could allow more offers to roll in without the restriction of a hard cap. They’d also be able to see where their first-round draft pick lands. A top-3 pick paired with Russell could prompt a better return.

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