Knicks interested in Rockets' Brooks
The Knicks may be interested in a trade for Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, who has squabbled with coach Rick Adelman over playing time in Houston. (Feb. 1, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
The Knicks are mulling a trade that could bring in Aaron Brooks for some needed backcourt help.
A source with knowledge of the situation said the Rockets "are going to try hard" to move Brooks before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. A separate source confirmed that the Knicks are interested.
The 6-foot guard was suspended by the Rockets for last night's game against the Nuggets after he walked off the court during a timeout late in Houston's victory over Memphis on Saturday. Brooks, the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, has been upset with coach Rick Adelman about his playing time, which has been significantly reduced since his return from an early-season ankle injury.
The Knicks have spent most of the season scouring the league for a capable backup for Raymond Felton but have yet to find an available player who would be a good fit and wouldn't cost them an asset they might need to acquire Carmelo Anthony.
Brooks, 26, is averaging 12.2 points and 4.1 assists per game this season after his career-best 19.6 points and 5.3 assists in 2009-10. The lightning-quick guard, who is a career 37-percent shooter from three-point range, would be a good fit in Mike D'Antoni's pick-and-roll system as long as his ankle, which he injured in the second game of the season, is fully recovered.
Brooks will make $2 million this season and will be a restricted free agent. The Rockets could consider taking injured guard Kelenna Azubuike's expiring contract with a $3.3-million salary that is eligible to have 80 percent covered by insurance. The Rockets might not look for a rotation player in return, especially with backcourt minutes to split between Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee. Rookie Ishmael Smith also is in the mix.
What would this move mean for Toney Douglas? He has had issues running D'Antoni's offense, but the Knicks love Douglas' toughness on defense and his ability to cover quick guards. Adding a point guard would allow D'Antoni to use Douglas at off-guard; he is more comfortable and more effective at that spot.
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