Frustrations are building for the New York Knicks as the losses continue to pile up for the team. New York is fresh off a 109-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs that has extended their losing streak to 10 straight games as the Knicks are just 4 and 20 on the season. While no one expected the Knicks to be championship contenders, this level of destruction was not considered. Now frustrations are boiling over after reports surfaced of fights between teammates.
On Wednesday, the media reported that Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr got into a fight following a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Anthony reportedly told the shooting guard that he wanted to beat him up. Now, the two are going on the defense saying that there is no drama between them and it was merely a discussion between "brothers."
"Me and Tim have no problems," Anthony said, via ESPNNewYork.com. ".... Tim is a guy who I always wrapped my arm around and put under my wing from Day 1, helped him through times when he's been down, and I will continue doing that. We're all committed. We're all committed to the triangle and to this system. We do have times when we do get frustrated. But are we committed as a team to doing what's right by it? We are committed. We said it from day one."
Things are simply not good in New York. Team president Phil Jackson spoke out saying the Knicks have a "loser mentality" right now and have no chance of winning games if it continues. Could trades be the answer? Jackson tried to escalate several deals in the offseason that went unnoticed, but as the deadline grows closer, he might be able to get at least one move made to help the team out.
According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, JR Smith is the intended trade if one is made. The Knicks have an abundance of backcourt players and Smith might be the easiest to deal before the deadline. Smith's tenure with the Knicks has seen its ups and downs as many view him as a locker room issue. However, he is shooting 41.0 percent from the field right now which several teams would love to take on. He is playing better than Hardaway and Iman Shumpert and while several teams look for help on offense, Smith might be the best option.