The New York Knicks are preparing to have money to burn when the season ends and free agency begins. The team has set themselves up to be able to acquire a big name on the open market and while Kevin Durant is one that has been circling the franchise, Mike Conley is another. In need of an elite point guard to pair with Carmelo Anthony in the backcourt, the Memphis Grizzlies star is deemed the top option. However, the Knicks will have to wait until the offseason to pursue him as a trade for Conley has been denied.
According to Matt Moore at CBSSports.com, the Grizzlies might need a roster change, but it will not come by trading Conley. Conley has been deemed as being available simply because his contract is expiring and the Grizzlies need to rebuild this offseason. With the point guard eyeing the market, Memphis could risk losing the elite player for nothing in return. However, that fear is not great enough to push the Grizzlies to trade at the deadline as Memphis remains confident they can retain Conley in free agency.
According to general manager Chris Wallace, the Grizzlies have been good about re-signing all of their core players over the last few years and that will not change with Conley. The point guard will be worth a max contract. It is expected to start at around $18.9 million per season. Conley might test the market a little, but the Grizzlies plan on matching any offer placed on him. That means the Knicks could be looking elsewhere for help.
Right now, the Knicks have an inconsistent rookie in Jerian Grant, ok bench play from Langston Galloway and an overpaid Jose Calderon occupying the point guard spot on the roster. That is not going to cut it if the team wants a championship and Phil Jackson knows it. The team has been eyeing trades. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks have inquired about the expiring contracts of Brandon Jennings along with the manageable deal to Jeff Teague. The problem for New York is they do not want to acquire a contract that factors into their salary cap past this season and they do not have any trade assets worth anything to another team. That severely limits what they can do in terms of trades.
In terms of free agents next offseason, Conley is the best. Rajon Rondo follows. Jackson is a fan of Rondo, but over the past few seasons the point guard's value has dropped and that opinion might have changed. Jordan Clarkson will be available as a restricted free agent. Jennings will also be available on an expiring deal. The Knicks have few options if they cannot get Conley. That could leave the team hoping Grant develops into something better.
