The New York Knicks look into moving some of their players – a mix of veterans and youth - at the NBA trade deadline. In his latest insider story on ESPN, Ian Begley dropped the names of several Knicks players who could be in play in potential trade talks.

The Knicks’ feel-good story is slowly turning into a familiar narrative, with New York once again struggling to rack up wins just as the 2017-18 NBA season reaches its half-way point. And while Kristaps Porzingis officially becomes the man in Big Apple after earning his first All-Star nod on Tuesday (Jan.

23), the Knicks face the harsh reality that title contention remains a distant dream.

Bigs on the move!

With the February 8 trade deadline looming in the background, many are expecting the Knicks to explore a handful of trade possibilities. They are obviously looking at deals which would help them solve a problematic logjam at the center position.

Begley is hearing that veteran banger Kyle O’Quinn and underused youngster Willy Hernangomez are pieces the Knicks would like to move in exchange for solid returns. Of course, they are going to make another attempt at unloading Joakim Noah’s albatross deal (three-year, $55MM left on his contract).

Enes Kanter, the team’s most productive big outside Porzingis, is also drawing interest from opposing teams.

But like Noah, Kanter owns a significantly large contract ($18 million player option for the 2018-19 season). In today’s market, traditional big men pocketing eight-figure salaries a year have become a lot harder to move, as most of the teams now prefer versatile and rangy frontcourt players.

Wings of the future

Begley also revealed in his report the Knicks’ interest in trading for a young wingman.

Veteran insider Adrian Wojnarowski previously noted that New York has been searching for an up-and-coming player who has the upside to become a two-way stud.

The Knicks are also expected to get serious offers for three-and-D player Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas. Lee, in particular, could command a nice trade haul, though a scout thinks rival GMs are not fully sold on the idea of parting ways with a future asset for a short-term gain.

As for the Knicks, Begley said they considered productive veterans like Lee pivotal in building a winning culture. Although they would still entertain trade offers for Lee, the Knicks will weigh everything into consideration before making any deal involving their vets. Lee, who is averaging 13.7 points on a 46.3 field goal percentage, is earning a very reasonable paycheck of $11.7MM this season and scheduled to receive $24MM more over the next two years.