Quentin Grimes - Guard, New York Knicks (Absolute no-brainer)
Grimes is a player in a near-exactly similar mold to the aforementioned Josh Green. Grimes is another 6’5”, 23-year-old shooting guard, who has proven to be a winning player in a small role on a good team.
Unfortunately for Grimes, he’s struggling to carve out minutes in a crowded backcourt, playing for a coach who loves veterans. But Grimes has shown his mettle as a dogged defender and excellent three-point shooter.
The Knicks are another team that has shown interest in P.J. Washington, so Grimes would be a natural player to demand in return. Like Green, he’d fit perfectly into the Hornets lineup, filling a much-needed two-way role, and would fit the timeline as well.
Grimes has a team option for next year, the final year of his rookie deal. But the Hornets could extend him to a contract that’s likely very similar to the three-year $41 million one that Josh Green signed with Dallas.
I rank Green a hair higher than Grimes, mostly because I’ve seen him do it playing more meaningful minutes and at a higher volume, but they are almost neck and neck and either one would be an outstanding addition to the Hornets core group.