The NY Knicks have shown progress from last season, but the inconsistent play of the team this year could spark Phil Jackson to make some trades, as players like Brandon Jennings, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Kevin Martin and Markieff Morris could be available at the deadline. Carmelo Anthony is unlikely to get traded despite his name coming up in reports about a potential move.
The Knicks are coming off of a loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday that saw the team go down by 15 points and now the team has lost four straight. The Knicks are 14-18 on the season and while that is a much better pace than last season, the team has had issues on both sides of the floor that could lead to some roster moves. Ian Begley at ESPN New York writes that the team likely will need to make some changes if they hope to make it into the playoffs in the eastern conference.
Begley writes that the bench play of Jerian Grant and Sasha Vujacic has not been good enough overall, while Jose Calderon has not been able to get things done on a consistent basis. Kristaps Porzingis has played well for the Knicks this season, but he is still a rookie and has to develop certain parts of his game, while the defense overall has not been good enough. Isaiah Thomas was able to score at will against Calderon on Sunday and that could be a small example of what the Knicks need to upgrade.
The Knicks are not looking to blow up the roster with trades, but there are some intriguing options that could be available at the deadline. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson all could be available from the Chicago Bulls, as all three are heading towards free agency. Noah will be a free agent next season, Gasol has a player option after this year, while Gibson will be a free agent after next season.
The Bulls have been one of the better teams in the east, but overall they have not played up to expectations and could consider making some moves. Noah would be an intriguing option for the Knicks, as he plays All-Star level defense, while Gasol has a strong relationship with Phil Jackson. Noah is dealing with an injury and has been coming off of the bench for the Bulls and while that could lower his trade value, it could be a perfect option for the Knicks, as they may not have to give up as much to get Noah as they previously would have.
The Knicks also could look for a backcourt upgrade to help add more over Jose Calderon, as Brandon Jennings and Kevin Martin are reportedly available in deals, according to NJ.com. Martin was a healthy scratch over the weekend and could sit out until he gets traded by the Wolves, according to the Star Tribune. Jennings is coming back from an injury, but if he shows he can stay healthy, the Pistons may trade him after signing back Reggie Jackson this summer.
