The New York Knicks may look at trade options at the deadline to help upgrade the backcourt behind Jose Calderon, as players like Brandon Jennings and Tony Wroten could be targets for Phil Jackson. Jerian Grant has improved his play as of late and he likely is the future starter for the Knicks if he continues to play well through the season.
The Knicks are 20-20 after winning against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night and that is major improvement for a team that won its sixth game in January last year. The Knicks now are in second place in the division for the time being and that could spark Jackson to consider some trades at the deadline to help upgrade the bench. According to ESPN New York, sources report that Jimmer Fredette, Tony Wroten and Brandon Jennings "are on the team's radar" and could be options at the deadline.
Fredette is with the D-League affiliate for the Knicks and could be added to the roster, while Jennings or Wroten could be trade options if the team still wants to upgrade the backcourt. According to Ian Begley at ESPN New York, Jerian Grant has been improving his play over the last couple weeks following some tough stretches in December. Grant's playing time was limited last month, but so far this month he has played well, including on Tuesday against the Celtics.
Grant had 16 points and eight assists in the win against the Celtics and Begley writes that if Grant continues to play well, the Knicks may not push for a trade to help the backcourt. Jose Calderon has played well enough this season to stick around and that could keep Jackson satisfied enough to not pull off a trade at the deadline. Last month it was reported that the Knicks were looking at Jennings as a potential option, as the Pistons have Reggie Jackson as the starting point guard now after signing him back this summer.
The New York Daily News also reported on the interested in Jennings, who recently came back from an Achilles injury that kept him out until December. Grant's play could keep the Knicks from pushing hard for a trade, but there is a chance the team still will consider making a move.
Check here for more on the Knicks and potential trade options.