Phil Jackson is starting to make moves. When the New York Knicks acquired the NBA champion as their new team president, they were hopeful that he could push the team to be title contenders. So far, the Knicks have look nothing like championship contenders as they currently sit in the middle of a 12-game losing streak, but Jackson is just getting started. After a trade that cleaned house in New York, what is next for the Knicks?
Jackson finally got a trade that he had been searching for. The Knicks took part in a three-team trade that sent JR Smith and Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers while acquiring Alex Kirk and Lou Amundson while also getting Lance Thomas from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The final move was releasing Samuel Dalembert who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the trade of Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton. This deal was financially motivated, helping both in the short term and long term. Overall, it freed up over $20 million in salary and luxury taxes while free the Knicks up to not owe anything.
"As our journey moves through this season, we will search for the type of players that fit the style we hope to exhibit to our fans. Our desire to improve our ability to compete," Jackson said in a statement. "These transactions improve our flexibility to the current roster and the salary cap for future seasons."
Jackson had been searching for this kind of move since he took over with the Knicks. The team president had attempted to shop everyone from Amar'e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and even Tim Hardaway Jr. Now, everyone else on the roster will likely stay put in order to keep New York somewhat competitive and Jackson will set his sights on free agency which will be a big time for the New York Knicks as they have several A-list stars on their wish list.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, Jackson will first chase Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge. Both players are on top Western Conference teams at the moment and might be more inclined to re-sign with them instead of heading to the rebuilding Knicks. Carmelo Anthony will be their selling point, but as the Knicks continue to lose their recruiting efforts for players like Gasol and Aldridge could become weak.
Point guard Goran Dragic and Greg Monroe are realistic for the Knicks. Dragic is ready to leave Phoenix while Monroe has no interest in returning to Detroit. The Knicks have financial leverage to get players like these and fans can expect Jackson to be aggressive in the pursuit.
