The New York Knicks are giving one last ditch effort to try and execute at least one trade before the deadline ends in 24 hours. According to the New York Post, the Knicks are trying to impressive Carmelo Anthony and prove they are committed to winning this season no matter how bad their record is. In need of help on the wings, the Knicks have narrowed their search to at least two players that might be an option and two absolute long shots.
The Knicks could see a familiar face back in the lineup by the weekend. Is New York ready for Linsanity part two? According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Knicks are considering bringing back Jeremy Lin to take over for the struggling Raymond Felton. The Houston Rockets have been actively shopping the point guard despite how well he is playing. Houston wants to shed his contract even though he is thriving in the sixth man role, averaging 13.3 points on 58.6 percent shooting.
The issue for the Knicks is once again putting together a valuable package to give in return. The team has no draft picks they can give up. New York could offer Beno Udrih or Iman Shumpert but general manager Daryl Morey will want more. Another issue in this deal actually happening (which it likely will not) is that Lin is still owed $15 million on his three-year contract. The Knicks simply cannot afford to take that on for the future.
So, if Lin gets crossed off the list, there is still hope Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried joins the lineup. Alex Kennedy of NBA Insiders reports New York still has interest in the young star, but will likely wait until the last minute to pursue him if no other deal comes about. The nuggets and Knicks have discussed this deal a few weeks ago, but backed off. If New York has no other options, they could pursue Faried with a player like Shumpert.
Now comes the absolute long-shot portion of the Knicks trade rumors. Ford continues to report the team is still trying to get either Jeff Teague or Rajon Rondo in the next 24 hours. Once again, New York has nothing they can give in return for both of these players. Interest around Rondo is high, but he only wants to be traded to a team he would re-sign with in free agency. The Boston Celtics put two first-round draft picks as his price tag, eliminating the Knicks from contention. Teague is owed too much in the future for New York to make a move.
Will the Knicks make a trade at the deadline? It seems extremely unlikely, but the team will at least try and show they are making an effort.
