Recent reports make it sound like the New York Knicks are ready to sell the farm in order to get players to better the roster sooner rather than later. With limited cash flow after the new contract for Carmelo Anthony, the only way the Knicks can make serious improvements is by trading. However, even trading is difficult for the team since no one has gotten any interest on the market. While the Knicks are willing to give up just about anyone, Tim Hardaway Jr is not one of them.
The Knicks have an abundance of back-court players they could deal. After re-signing Anthony, acquiring Jose Calderon and drafting Cleanthony Early and Thansis Antetokounmpo, JR Smith, Iman Shumpert, Hardaway Jr and Shane Larkin immediately went up for sale on the open market. Phil Jackson made it known that the Knicks were done buying in the free agent market, but would certainly be picking up the phone for teams interested in trades. The only issue is that no one is calling.
Ideally, New York wants to deal Smith and possibly Shumpert this offseason even though must fans are grumbling at the idea of giving up a young talent. According to the New York Post, Shumpert and Jackson might not be on the same page as his attitude and work ethic have come under criticism, hence the trade rumors over the past year. Along with those two, the Knicks would like to deal either Andrea Bargnani and Amar'e Stoudemire, both of which are not playing to the level their contract dictates. However, no team is willing to take on just one of those players while most of requesting Hardaway Jr in any deal.
ESPN's Ian Begley is reporting that the Knicks are making it known that Hardaway Jr is untouchable. Jackson and general manager Steve Mills have made it clear that yes, the roster is heavy at the shooting guard position, but giving up the young and talented Hardaway Jr is simply not a move they are willing to make. Last season as a rookie he managed 10.2 points while shooting 42.8 percent from the field in limited time off the bench. He looks to be a player the Knicks can develop for the future and not one they intend on trading.
