The New York Knicks continue to toy with the trade deadline. However, the longer they wait to make a deal, the less likely they are to land someone that can actually help. The Knicks have taken interest in several players over the last few weeks, but failed to finalize any negotiations. Now, the team is showing interest in players once again who may no longer be available.
According to Frank Isola at the New York Daily News, the Knicks are interested against in Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors. New York showed interest in the point guard over two months ago, but back out at the last minute. The Knicks were offering up everyone from JR Smith to Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr, but did not pull the trigger on the deal.
The issue is that while the Knicks are interested, is Lowry even still available? The Toronto Raptors look poised to win the Atlanta Division if they continue their hot streak. Lowry is playing better than ever, so why would Toronto let him leave for an underachieving Knicks player? Right now, Lowry is averaging 16.6 points and 7.4 assists a game while shooting 42.9 percent overall.
David Aldridge of NBA.com reports that Toronto appears less likely to make a deal for Lowry at this point since the Raptors are leading a weak division. Toronto is not going to give Lowry away for just anyone. Their asking price is very high for the point guard. It likely includes draft picks, something the Knicks simply do not have. Even if the Raptors do not view Lowry as a long-term player with his expiring contract, he is the one piece that could get the team to the playoffs.
With uncertainty surrounding Lowry, the Knicks have also targeted Kenneth Faried, but once again he might not be available anymore. New York was offering up Iman Shumpert in a deal for the young star, but Denver wants more than just a player swap.
Steve Kyler from Basketball Insiders reports that while the Knicks are aggressively looking for roster depth, their lack of draft compensation is hurting all negotiations. New York is trying to show that they are serious about winning this season despite what their record displays. Carmelo Anthony wants to win and the Knicks have to show they are on board in order to try and keep the star. Will it work?
