After a disappointing run in free agency, the New York Knicks are expected to be active in deals with both unsigned players and trades well into the season. Team president Phil Jackson noted that the only way to attract big names is by winning and many doubt that the Knicks have a roster built for that. If a mid-season trade presents itself, Jackson will not turn his head and the first player offered could be Jose Calderon.
There is plenty of doubt surrounding the point guard position for the New York Knicks. Calderon returns after a disappointing debut with the team marred by injuries and inconsistencies. Langston Galloway is back after a breakout rookie season and Jerian Grant enters confident in his ability to shine in the triangle offense. It is unclear who is favored out of that trio for both the short-term and the long-term outlook.
According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, there is doubt surrounding Galloway in his ability to capitalize off last season. The Knicks only furthered that rumor by giving the point guard a partially-guaranteed contract. Begley reports that Galloway is expected to make the roster for New York, but nothing is truly guaranteed after that. Jackson made it clear that he likes Galloway, but the young star still has a lot to prove.
"We signed him to a non-guaranteed contract for next season, and he's projected as a combo 1-2 guard. After a terrific start when we called him up from the D-League, he's hit the wall and banged off it. But I still think he can be a productive player for us," Jackson said, via ESPN.com.
If either Calderon or Grant prove they can handle the starting job, Galloway could be on the outside looking in. Calderon is hopeful that he can prove a lot of people wrong in the upcoming season. The veteran is aware he is on thin ice after Jackson tried numerous times to trade him, but now feeling healthy Calderon is eyeing a big season ahead of him.
"In the NBA you are pretty confident but you are one phone call away from being somewhere else you've just got to be ready for everything," said Calderon, via ESPN.com. "I really want to be part of things because when you go through a bad season like we had last year you don't want to be out when the good things arrive."
Jackson will be aggressive in trying to improve the roster. The team is still eyeing Carlos Boozer as an option. The team president admitted he is hoping to make a real run at Kevin Durant and Mike Conley next season. Things are still changing in New York and they will not stop any time soon.