As the losses pile up for the New York Knicks, it is becoming clear who is looking to jump ship and who is committed to rebuilding. Surprisingly, Carmelo Anthony might be committed to the team for the long-term while others are not so sure. After it was reported that the Knicks would be seeking a trade for Amar'e Stoudemire in the offseason, Tyson Chandler might be looking for a similar move.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that Tyson Chandler is seeking a move from New York either by trade or release this offseason. Berman writes, "With the Knicks in chaos, owner James Dolan is going to look to rebuild or reload at season's end. Whether Chandler, who is starting to show signs of age, is part of the blueprints is unclear. And Chandler is not wanting to stick around either."
Chandler only briefly discussed his status with the team since the trade deadline passed. He simply said that it would be something he would have to re-visit in the offseason and that there were certainly decisions that needed to be made. The center's contract officially expires in 2015. He eagerly signed a four-year, $65 million deal in 2011, believing he was the final piece to the Knicks' championship puzzle. However, things have only gone downhill from there and frustration is mounting.
"For me, it's important regardless [to finish out strong],'' Chandler said, via the New York Post. "I got a lot more pride than this, coming in night in, night out losing, and not putting forth the type of effort it takes to win. At this stage of my career and what I've established, I refuse to let it put a blemish on it.''
Chandler was assumed to be part of the rebuilding effort the Knicks would enter this offseason. The center is a defensive star despite the injury setbacks this season. If he stays, there is a better chance that Anthony remains as well. However, if the Knicks move Chandler, there is very little star power to keep the guard from signing elsewhere in free agency.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the Knicks are already planning on dumping Stoudemire this offseason. The forward is owed $21 million next season and $23 million the following year. He has yet to play up to his contract and the team is ready to cut ties. So if Stoudemire and Chandler are gone in the near future, Knicks fans should not expect Anthony to stick it out either.
