The New York Knicks are planning on having a big run in free agency this upcoming offseason with a point guard as their top priority. Where they stand now a trade at the deadline is highly unlikely leaving the Knicks to chase available players in the summer. As doubt remains in Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway, the Knicks want an established player in the role, but they might have to get creative in who they target.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies is the Knicks' No.1 target. However, he is also the NO.1 target of his own team. The Grizzles told ESPN.com that they have no plans of letting Conley walk away into free agency. The team has done a solid job of retaining their own talent over the years and Conley will not be an exception. With the point guard expected to stay with the Grizzles, who can the Knicks look at for help?
Could Rajon Rondo be an option? Rondo is preparing for free agency once again after signing a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings. The point guard has been quiet this year as drama surrounds DeMarcus Cousins more than him. That is a good thing if Rondo wants to earn a contract extension. According to the New York Post, Rondo cannot be ruled out as an option. Jackson was a big fan of his at one point and that has not changed. If Conley is not available, Rondo could be where the Knicks turn.
Brandon Jennings will also be an option, just not via a trade. The point guard will be a free agent with the Detroit Pistons and he is not expected to return thanks to the contract given to Reggie Jackson. Jennings wants to return as the top point guard to a team and the Knicks would certainly give him that chance. He would not come cheap, but he is an upgrade over what the team has now.
The Knicks are struggling heavily at the point guard position with none of their three options playing well. Calderon should be gone this upcoming offseason and Galloway could join him thanks to his contract. What about Grant? The rookie has not developed into the threat Jackson was hoping he would be and Bleacher Report believes he is no longer the future favorite for the role. There is still time for Grant. The Knicks are not getting rid of him anytime soon. Head coach Derek Fisher made it clear that Grant can take his time developing as he is more concerned with the process instead of winning right away.
"There is no end point or endgame,'' Fisher said, via the New York Post. "One win. One position. One seed doesn't do anything. There's still so much work to do. We have to focus on the work part and not get caught up in thinking we have to work hard in order to get something. Instead enjoy having to work hard, period."