The NY Knicks have been off to a tough start this season and at the trade deadline, names like Iman Shumpert, Jose Calderon, Amar'e Stoudemire and JR Smith could be on the trading block, as Phil Jackson may clear out cap space so the team can chase free agents like Greg Monroe, Rajon Rondo and Marc Gasol in the future next summer.
The Knicks are now 4-14 on the season and they are ranked 27th in scoring and they need to try and turn things around, as the east is still wide open. According to ESPN.com, the Knicks may consider trades at the deadline, as they are not going anywhere this season and making moves could help set things up with draft picks and cap space over next season and the year after that.
The Knicks will target Marc Gasol according to the NY Post and names like Rajon Rondo, Greg Monroe and Zach Randolph also could be potential options as free agents. The Knicks have Iman Shumpert heading towards restricted free agency and there is a chance he could be traded this season as well. The Knicks may make moves down the line for next season, as this one is shaping up to be another rough one for the team. Stoudemire is also a prime target since his contract is expiring and even if the Knicks don't look at any blockbusters, they could add some solid pieces.
The team also could look at getting some draft picks to help continue developing young players over the next few years and that could pay off down the line for Jackson and Anthony. JR Smith has been mentioned in trade rumors numerous times and this year could be the time he actually gets moved. Some contenders could be interested in Smith for his scoring touch, while Stoudemire and Shumpert each are solid defenders and could be contributors to playoff teams.
Monroe has developed into one of the best young forwards in the league and after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds last season, he is averaging 15.6 points and 10.3 rebounds so far this year. Some teams that could be interested in Monroe on the free agent market next summer include the LA Lakers, Knicks, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, while Monroe said that he is not opposed to staying in Detroit as well. While it's unlikely that Monroe gets moved unless something drastic happens, Smith is a player that could end up getting traded this season.
The Cavaliers also have Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson as potential options to trade and this comes as they have built a super team with LeBron James. Thompson is coming up to contract time and that could lead to a deal, while Waiters has potential and could be a target for teams. The Celtics will have a decision to make with Rajon Rondo and while he may not be traded, there is a good chance he comes up in rumors.
Rondo already did this summer with the Kings and teams like the Lakers, Knicks and Rockets all will be interested in him. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Celtics want to see if Rondo can stay healthy this season after coming back and playing 30 games last year following his ACL surgery, while Rondo wants to see where the team is at before making a major decision on an extension.
