The New York Knicks are not done making moves despite having little to no financial wiggle room and assets that peak other team's interests. However, Phil Jackson is determined to make it work even if the deal is to simply clear salary cap space. While no team has bit on offers for Iman Shumpert or Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks are hoping someone wants veteran point guard Pablo Prigioni.
The Knicks successful traded Wayne Ellington to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday after they first acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks following the Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton deal. Jackson is not stopping there. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Knicks are still shopping around Prigioni in deals. The point guard was almost involved in the Ellington trade, but Stein reports that the Utah Jazz backed out of the potential three-team trade at the last minute. Is there another team interested?
Prigioni can be a solid veteran off the bench for any team in need of depth. He shot 46.4 percent from beyond the arc last season while averaging 3.5 assists in 19.4 minutes of game time. The return rate on Priogini would not be strong, but a deal might help balance the roster out even more. Is there a team willing to take on a 37-year-old this late in the season?
The Los Angeles Lakers could show some interest. Right now the team has Jeremy Lin and Steve Nash. Lin can be a starter despite thriving as the sixth man for much of last season with the Houston Rockets. Nash is unpredictable. While the point guard says he is healthy, there is no guarantee he will play a lot of games if any at all. Nash's time on the court has been sparse over the past two years and the Lakers could use a healthy backup plan just in case. The Lakes showed some interest in possibly acquiring Eric Bledsoe, but he proved too expensive. Priogioni would be an easy get.
The Houston Rockets could also be interested. They traded away Lin and have Patrick Beverly who is expected to start. The team could use another scoring threat off the bench. The Indiana Pacers could also take a look after losing Paul George for the season. The Pacers also do not have a lot of financial freedom, but Prigioni is not an expensive trade to make to at least help for the short-term while they figure out their next move.
