The New York Knicks are exploring potential ways to acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Los Angeles Lakers, but they may need to bring at least one other team into the talks in order to manufacture a deal.
The Knicks and Lakers have touched base about Kuzma, SNY’s Ian Begley confirms. It seems likely that the player going back to LA in the deal would be Marcus Morris, but Morris has a $15 million salary and Kuzma is still on a rookie contract. That means the Knicks would have to send multiple players to the Lakers and/or get a third team involved.
The Knicks’ interest in Kuzma was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
New York is said to be more open to trading Morris after president of basketball operations Steve Mills was fired on Tuesday. Their trade deadline talks have shifted now with Mills no longer making decisions, according to Begley.
It was initially believed that the Lakers were merely fielding calls about Kuzma, but general manager Rob Pelinka has reached out to at least one team to discuss the former No. 27 overall pick in recent weeks. If the Lakers can add a three-point shooter and/or more defense, they appear to be open to trading Kuzma.
