Before the New York Knicks can begin their free agency spending, they must first determine who will stay and who will go on the current roster. The Knicks got rid of several expiring contracts which means some players could hear their name associated with trades heading into the offseason. Players like Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani have already announced they plan on returning next year, but team president Phil Jackson will get the final say.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, one player that might get pardoned from trades is Tim Hardaway Jr. The guard did not exactly have a season to remember despite the added playing time after both Iman Shumpert and JR Smith were traded, but Jackson reportedly sees a lot of potential in the young guard and believes he has a solid future ahead of him.
"Tim Hardaway has been both good and average at certain times, but he has a bright future,'' Jackson said, via the Post. "He's a solidifying guard who can move to small forward or guard.''
Hardaway has likely head his name tossed around in multiple trade rumors considering he is young and had a strong rookie season. This year he only averaged 11.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc. The only way the Knicks trade him is if he is packaged into a deal with another player. That could help the Knicks deal Calderon, one player not getting endorsed by Jackson heading into the offseason.
Calderon has been considered good as gone after Jackson admitted disappointment for not getting a trade done during the middle of the season. ESPNNewYork.com is reporting Jackson would ideally like to trade Calderon who still holds some weight on the market despite his injuries this year. However, his contract likely means the Knicks will have to toss someone else in to sweeten the deal which could be Hardaway if that is the only option. With players like Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic getting targeted, Calderon is likely gone.
Another player getting a ringing endorsement for the future is Bargnani who most are shocked is still on the roster right now. The Knicks have tried to trade the forward for most of the year, but failed at every attempt. Bargnani responded by helping carry the team in the last section of the season. According to the New York Daily News, Bargnani's future likely hinges on whether or not the Knicks are able to land a player like Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge or Greg Monroe in free agency.