The New York Knicks have been getting an improved performance from Jose Calderon, but it might not be enough to keep the point guard around for the entire season. The NBA trade market is beginning to heat up once again and Calderon's name is likely to be a name that hits the surface. The Knicks have never been fully committed to the veteran, but they have also failed to get any kind of trade deal done. Could this be the year that changes?
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks are expected to inquire about a trade for Brandon Jennings once the market begins to really take shape. At the moment, the Knicks have 10 players eligible of being traded. Berman believes that the biggest issue for the Knicks entering the trading period is the point guard position with Calderon and rookie Jerian Grant lacking consistency on the court. While Grant is going nowhere, Calderon could be as Jennings becomes a target.
Jennings has not been seen yet this year as he continues to heal from a torn Achilles, but he is expected to come back at some point in December which will allow teams to get a good look at where he is right now. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that no moves will be made until Jennings is healthy again, but sources say with Reggie Jackson's contract, the veteran is no longer needed.
Berman reports that the Knicks cannot simply trade Calderon for Jennings, but they could add in someone like Derrick Williams or Kyle O'Quinn who had fallen out of favor with the team. Lance Thomas and Lou Amundson have been the favorites to fill in for Kristaps Porzingis, making the other two big men expendable. Either Williams or O'Quinn would be a huge upgrade to the Pistons' bench which might entice a trade deal. Nothing is imminent for either team. Until Jennings returns to the court, he will not be traded.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks will upgrade the point guard position either at the trade deadline or in the offseason and Calderon is not favored for the future. With salary cap space working in their favor, the Knicks are expected to target Mike Conley from the Memphis Grizzlies while also making a potential run at Rajon Rondo depending on how his year finishes out. Grant is still considered the future while Langston Galloway's versatility will keep him on the court. Calderon is expected to be the odd man out.