The Knicks have their eye on 2 Western Conference guards

December 15th is the date most players who signed new contracts during the offseason become suitable for trade. New York Knicks veterans Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet and Gershon Yabusele will no longer have restrictions on their trade status.

League sources tell ClutchPoints that the Knicks have had exploratory talks with two Western Conference teams about potential trades, with the New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves Donte DiVincenzo at the center of various proposals.

The Pelicans are off to a 4-22 start, with seventh overall pick Jeremy Fiers comfortable as a starter and offseason acquisition Jordan Poole leading their bullpen. Once Dejounte Murray returns from the torn Achilles that has sidelined him thus far, Alvarado might be too luxurious a fourth-string guard for the team’s governor.

A move for Alvarado, who reportedly made $4.5 million this season, wouldn’t have to strain a hamstring Knicks cap sheet. However, a reunion with DiVincenzo would be more complicated. His nearly $12 million salary requires New York to trade a package for more than young players or recently qualified veterans.

Why would the Timberwolves move DiVincenzo?

New York’s interest in reuniting with its Villanova-educated playoff hero dates back to last season, when the team had some internal discussions on reacquiring DiVincenzo. The sharpshooter played one season with the Knicks, setting franchise records for three-pointers made in a game and in a season during that span.

Bringing the 3-point specialist to Madison Square Garden, where he had a career year, could make sense for both sides. The Timberwolves, however, would have to agree to any trade that would reunite the Wildcats. A source familiar with the situation told ClutchPoints that Minnesota has sent New York’s front office several trade proposals, but that the sides are nowhere near an agreement.

The Timberwolves are said to have some interest in the protected first-round pick the Knicks owe the Washington Wizards, according to league sources. That pick is protected if it ends up being any of the first eight selections in the draft. However, the dreaded second apron has made assets like this increasingly desirable as teams look for any way possible to avoid serious tax penalties.

The Knicks are best off waiting about two weeks to make any trades for similar reasonsaccording to Jeremy Cohen of the Nix Film School. Whether they make any moves or not comes down to their front office, which is led by the team president Leon Rose. In the midst of a 17-7 start to the season, New York is in no rush to make a deal or have a star come out of nowhere.

If they think trade is necessary for them playoff pushhowever, they still have some funds to work with. Any changes will have to come before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.