The New York Knicks are desperate. Time is of the essence as the team attempts to make last-minute trades before the 2014-15 season officially begins. Phil Jackson is aware that they only way he can improve the roster any more is by trading, but so far that is not going according to plan. The last option for the Knicks might be a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers as the team emerges as New York's final hope for a trade.
The 76ers have been making moves throughout the entire offseason and yet are still not at the minimum salary cap deadline. Signing their draft picks will certainly help that effort, but the team appears interested in trading for one more big contract before the offseason is over. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the 76ers are still interested in acquiring Stoudemire, a player they have had their eyes on now for some time.
Philadelphia is loading up on expiring contracts once again. The team is part of the three-team deal in the Kevin Love trade. They will be sending Thaddeus Young to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for two expiring contracts and a first-round draft pick. Stoudemire would certainly be an asset to acquire for at least the season. Philadelphia is stocked with young talent as Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid headline the young roster. Stoudemire could be productive plus provide veteran leadership to young, up and coming talent. Plus, financially he is an easy get.
The Knicks have no issues trading Stoudemire, but they do prefer to retain Shumpert if at all possible. The guard is going to be competing with JR Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr this upcoming season. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks are leaning towards making Hardaway Jr a starter, but will look to also start Shumpert or have him take over the sixth man role. With Andrea Bargnani and Shane Dalembert on the roster, Stoudemire is expendable.
This is not the first time this trade rumor has come up. Jackson has been shopping this deal for the better part of the offseason and have not found a single taker. The 76ers appear to be their last hope, but this move is not at all a guarantee.
