Prior to the NBA Draft, Phil Jackson told the media that the New York Knicks were set at the point guard and small forward positions. Obviously Carmelo Anthony occupies the small forward spot, but there was lingering doubt at just how committed the team president was to Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway. That doubt surfaced once again when the Knicks attempted to acquire Eric Bledsoe, but now they are no longer seeking point guard positions.
Just as quickly as Jackson said the Knicks were "covered" at the point guard spot, he attempted to trade for Bledsoe. According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, the Knicks were in talks with the Phoenix Suns about getting the point guard, but the deal eventually did not happen and New York ended up acquiring Jerian Grant instead. With that, the Knicks are not exploring other options.
Instead, the team is focused on getting another shooter to replace the departed Tim Hardaway Jr along with chasing a defensive star. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Knicks are the frontrunners to land Arron Afflalo who would work well alongside Anthony and help with the scoring pressure. The team is also eyeing Monta Ellis with a contract after he opted out of his deal with the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN Chris Broussard believes the team will be in the mix for Danny Green as well to help fill the shooting guard position.
With three players signed to the backcourt, the Knicks need a top guard option. There is still a chance that Jose Calderon finds himself on another team sooner rather than later. The New York Post continues to report that Jackson would pick up the phone if a deal came through for the veteran point guard who spent all of last season fighting injuries. The market for Calderon is really unknown at this point. He was overshadowed by Galloway to end the season, Jackson would like to get his contract off the books in the coming season.
According to the Post, Anthony is making calls to free agents about possibly coming to New York. According to the Post, he has been in contact with Jordan, Aldridge and Greg Monroe who would fill the defensive need of the team. ESPN.com is reporting that Jordan wants a four-year contract while Monroe told the media he is looking for a two-year deal in order to capitalize when the salary caps increase. The Knicks could afford either option.