The future of Jose Calderon continues to fall into question. The New York Knicks have loaded up on scoring help this offseason by drafting Jerian Grant and signing Arron Afflalo. After the success of Langston Galloway last season the debate continues as to whether or not the Knicks should try trading the veteran once again. After failing to adjust to the triangle offense while dealing with injuries, Calderon's future is murky with the Knicks.
According to the New York Post, team president Phil Jackson was disappointed a trade was not finalized for Calderon during the mid-season deadline. The veteran's stock was high when he was sent to New York, but an ongoing calf injury and poor play saw that drop immediately. Now the question becomes whether or not he is worth holding on to at his current price tag.
Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders, the Knicks could consider using their stretch provision on Calderon to dump his bloated contract. Calderon currently has two years and $15 million remaining on his contract. If the Knicks were to waive the point guard between July 1 and August 31, hey could stretch his remaining salary over five seasons and lessen the hit on the cap space. While New York might not make too many more moves as of now, that would help for the future.
Calderon could easily come back and be a slight picture of the point guard he was once, but will he be worth the $7.4 million he is set to earn this season? The Knicks might begin to find the answer to that during NBA Summer League when Grant is expected to hit the floor for the franchise. If the former Notre Dame point guard can look like viable option, Calderon could be on the market. The Knicks could easily release him rather than continue to hope for trade options.
The Knicks might not have had the offseason fans were hoping to get, but they certainly met needs and have a more complete roster than last season. While Carmelo Anthony admitted he was not happy with the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr, the deals for Afflalo, Robin Lopez and Williams are certainly ones to celebrate. While all three players were not marquee names hitting the market, they could easily be very productive on the court.
