The New York Knicks have their eyes on the future. No matter what, this season is a wash for the team. Struggles with the triangle offense and injuries have the Knicks on life support before the All-Star break even approaches. However, the future is positive as salary cap space will be abundant and Phil Jackson has a lot of moves ready to make. With Rajon Rondo off the market who will the Knicks target at the point guard position?
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Knicks did attempt to acquire Rondo prior to the Dallas Mavericks acquiring the deal. However, talks went nowhere thanks to a combination of a lack of draft picks and the fact that the Boston Celtics did not want to give Rondo to an Eastern Conference team. ESPNNewYork.com has already reported that it is unlikely Jose Calderon is a long-term player for the Knicks. When Jackson acquired the point guard from the Mavericks, many believed he was just going to be a trade piece for the future. That could still be the case closer to the deadline or once the offseason begins.
The New York Post is reporting that the Knicks will target Goran Dragic in free agency for the point guard position and the feeling is apparently mutual.
"Every team that is going to be available for me is going to be an option," Dragic said, via the Post. "You know, I think New York, they have great base of fans, great basketball organization. In the past few years, they didn't play so well, but like I said before, that luck can change quick."
This should be music to the Knicks' fans ears. With Rondo off the market, Dragic is one of the best point guards available in the offseason. He would work very well alongside Carmelo Anthony and should not demand an outrageous contract that should give New York room to work with. Interest is very high in Dragic. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets will make a go at him as well which could leave New York looking elsewhere.
Would the Knicks get into a deal for Deron Williams? The Brooklyn Nets are shopping the point guard for the best deal, but it is unlikely the Knicks take that route considering the injuries and contract that comes with his name. The Knicks could look at someone like Reggie Jackson who will be available or Patrick Beverley from the Rockets. The team has options.
