The New York Knicks are fully committed to their championship pursuit next season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season, especially after the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. His arrival has strengthened the team’s Villanova core, promising exciting basketball for fans and neutrals alike.
However, Bridges isn’t the only player the Knicks are eyeing. They have been linked with Davis Bertans to improve their three-point shooting, though no formal move has been made yet.
One of the most intriguing offseason narratives for the Knicks involves a young, promising center who isn’t assured a long-term deal with his current team.
**RUMOR: The New York Knicks Could Target Alperen Sengun**
Alperen Sengun was a standout performer for the Houston Rockets last season. The Turkish center is often compared to a young Nikola Jokic, and his stats support that comparison.
Despite Sengun’s and Jalen Green’s productivity on Ime Udoka’s roster last season, rumors suggest the Rockets are hesitant to offer them long-term deals.
As a result, the New York Knicks have emerged as potential suitors for the 6’11” center, according to ClutchPoints’ Jedd Pagaduan:
“Among the centers that are on the Knicks radar are Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun and Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren,” according to Marc Berman of The Palm Beach Post.
Sengun’s performance for the Rockets highlights why the Knicks are interested. He averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks last season. Although his shooting efficiency declined, his expanded playmaking made him an attractive target for the Knicks.
However, Sengun is highly valuable to the Rockets, and acquiring him would require the Knicks to offer a significant trade package. They have already expended considerable resources in the Bridges trade, making a move for the 21-year-old center a challenging prospect.