Raymond Felton has not requested a trade from the New York Knicks and yet Phil Jackson is letting him know that a move is in his future. Tyson Chandler has requested a change and awaiting to find out his future in New York with an expiring contract to his name. The Knicks are desperately seeking to make some roster moves in order to retain Carmelo Anthony, so who replaces Chandler if he is gone?
Chandler has not been shy about his distaste for the Knicks in 2013-14. The center noted that he felt like he wasted a year and did not intend on letting that happen a second-straight year. He told media at the end of New York's season that he only wanted to play for a contending team next season and if that meant being traded then so be it.
According to Bleacher Report, the Knicks could be forced to trade Chandler whether he requested the move or not. Chandler, along with Andrea Bargnani and Amar'e Stoudemire have the three biggest contracts entering next season, but only Chandler is tradeable. He is set to make $14 million in the final year of his deal. After his displeasure was voiced a move is the best option.
So who does New York target with Chandler out? Most of the player targets will be determined by what Anthony does. If the Knicks can convince Anthony to re-sign at a smaller contract than a max deal, they have plenty of options. Could Chris Bosh be a target? According to the Miami Herald, the Heat big man will re-sign if LeBron James and Dwyane Wade do as well, but if one of the Big 3 leave, Bosh is gone. He would be a big upgrade from Chandler, bringing in a better injury history and numbers.
Pau Gasol will be an option. The current Los Angeles Lakers said that he would certainly consider returning and playing with Kobe Bryant for two more years, but he also wants a pay raise and to be on a winning team. Gasol told media that he would never rule out reuniting with Phil Jackson if the situation was right. Having Anthony certainly helps.
Greg Monroe could be the long shot option. The Detroit Pistons are reportedly seeking a trade for the big man in the offseason, but his price tag has yet to be publicized. The Knicks lack draft picks, but could offer up a package of Raymond Felton and Iman Shumpert. It is no guarantee that Chandler is gone, but his contract and unhappiness could make it happen.
