For now, the New York Knicks are operating under the Shane Larkin show when it comes to the point guard position. That is certainly not how Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher drew things up at the beginning of the year when they made a trade for Jose Calderon. New York needed a true point guard and he was their ticket. However injuries have forced a Plan B and could push trades at the mid-season deadline.
Calderon's New York debut has been delayed about three weeks after the point guard suffered a calf strain. With that, the Knicks turn to Larkin who has fared well in his few games as a starter. However, his tenure with the Knicks is expected to be short. The team opted not to pick up his $1.68 million option for next season which will make him an unrestricted free agent come next summer. Will Calderon's stay be just as short?
The New York Daily News speculated that the Knicks are simply using Calderon as an asset for later deals. If New York is going to make any trades at the mid-season deadline or even next summer, the point guard is one of their best assets to deal. Calderon's contract is manageable and his talent is high which means New York could package him in for a solid return option. The injuries could be what pushes the Knicks to seek a deal.
The Knicks will have salary cap space to work with and Jackson has not been shy about his intentions to chase big names, especially at the point guard position. However, the pool of players to pick from is getting smaller. Ricky Rubio was reportedly interested in joining on with the Knicks in order to be in a large-market team, but he opted to sign a max contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the Friday deadline. The team announced a four-year extension for Rubio worth $56 million. That takes Rubio off the market for any deals.
The Knicks can make Rajon Rondo a priority and deal Calderon at the mid-season deadline for the point guard. The Boston Celtics may or may not intend to keep Rondo around in free agency. If the team feels he is getting ready to bolt then Rondo will likely be traded and the Knicks could be an option.
New York also opted not to pick up Iman Shumpert's option at the deadline which will make him a free agent in the summer and also a trade target. Could New York package together the shooting guard and Calderon together to get someone like Rondo? New York will be active as much as they can at the deadline in order to start setting themselves up for a big 2015.
