Two teams reportedly want to 'swipe' star PG from Knicks

Immanuel Quickley is rumored to be drawing interest from the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic, according to an Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports. Both teams are interested in signing the guard in the summer if he doesn't agree to a contract extension with the New York Knicks. 

“The trend is to play hardball with restricted free agency, but it could be a mistake, the Knicks playing hardball with him,” the executive told Deveney. “Two reasons for that, really: The Spurs and the Magic. They need a young point guard. And they’re both in a good spot to swipe him.”

Quickley is on track to hit restricted free agency this offseason. The explosive guard is averaging 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 20 games off the bench to begin the season. He's proving himself to be a valuable addition to any team's rotation. However, the Knicks can't give Quickley a starting role, as that belongs to Jalen Brunson. 

If the Magic or Spurs are willing to slightly overpay and can guarantee a spot in the starting lineup, Quickley will likely have his head turned. After all, the best way for him to continue developing his game is by playing more minutes against higher-level opponents. 

New York will likely want to keep Quickley beyond his current contract, though. However, according to a June report by SNY's Ian Begley, the explosive guard is looking for a deal in the region of $100 million over four years. The Knicks will need the guard to be flexible on that number if they're going to retain him while keeping cap space. 

Quickley, on the other hand, will be looking to prove his worth whenever he takes the court. He's a double-digit scorer off the bench who can also orchestrate an offense in the halfcourt. That type of talent comes at a price. 

The Knicks face a battle to keep Quickley beyond this season. Part of that battle is their own doing. If they lose him in free agency, they will need to take a hard look in the mirror to see where they went wrong. Of course, the Knicks could look to move him before the trade deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.

All we know for certain right now is there will be some serious discussions taking place in New York over the next few months.