Things continue to go from bad to very bad for the New York Knicks. The team finally broke their extensive losing streak by getting a much-needed win over the Boston Celtics. However, they followed that up with a loss to the Toronto Raptors, keeping their record at five wins total. Naturally, frustrations are getting high causing trade rumors and locker room arguments. While Carmelo Anthony is stressing his commitment to the team, injuries to Iman Shumpert and JR Smith could force a quick trade.
The Knicks showed some offensive improvement over the weekend which is why the team can simply not afford injuries. However, that bug hit which leaves New York searching for answers. The Knicks announced that Shumpert will miss the next three weeks of the season after dislocating his left shoulder. The shooting guard underwent an MRI following the Boston Celtics game and the injury was confirmed. Shumpert has started all 23 games this season averaging 9.5 points per game. Losing him means that Smith could start, but that looks unlikely too.
Smith also went down with an injury over the weekend. The shooting guard underwent an MRI which revealed a tear of the plantar fascia. The foot injury will keep Smith day-to-day, but it is unlikely he starts the next few games. That means it is Tim Hardaway Jr time in New York. With both Shumpert and Smith ailing, Hardaway Jr will be relied on heavily. Jose Calderon might spend some time at the position while Shane Larkin is sure to see extended playing time.
These injuries could cause the Knicks to force a trade sooner rather than later if they can manage it. The Knicks could target either Norris Cole or Dion Waiters in a deal to help at the position. They could offer up one of the injured guards along with someone like Andrea Bargnani.
One player not getting traded is Carmelo Anthony. The New York Post previously reported that Anthony was so frustrated with the Knicks he was willing to waive his no-trade clause in his contract. However, everyone is denying the idea that the franchise star is backing out of his commitment and heading elsewhere.
"Come on, man. After all the work I did to get here and get back here? If I was to get up and want to leave now that would just make me weak, make me have a weak mind," Anthony said, via ESPN.com. "I've never been a person to try to run from any adversity or anything like that so I'm not going to pick today to do that."