Jose Calderon has heard the rumors. He has read the news, He has seen the roster additions. The veteran point guard is aware that his future with the New York Knicks is not exactly as secure as he would like. After arriving from the Dallas Mavericks, Calderon spent a majority of the 2014-15 season on the bench dealing with a number of reoccurring injuries. That has left him on the chopping block hoping for a return.
After the success of Langston Galloway and the drafting of Jerian Grant, rumors began to swirl that Calderon was once again available. The point guard was tossed around in a number of trade rumors last year as it was reported Phil Jackson was less than committed to his future. Those have only amplified this offseason. With a deal not in sight, Calderon is making his case to stay with the team.
"I just want to be myself, just be healthy and play basketball. I think being healthy can change everything," Calderon said, via Sirius XM NBA Radio. "I think last year with all the different [lineups], injuries, myself included, I couldn't get into a rhythm. In the NBA you are pretty confident but you are one phone call away from being somewhere else you've just got to be ready for everything. I really want to be part of things because when you go through a bad season like we had last year you don't want to be out when the good things arrive."
Calderon's future is relatively unknown. There are a number of teams looking for point guard depth right now. The Los Angeles Lakers need help with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. The Cavaliers need someone else behind Kyrie Irving. The Brooklyn Nets need another body after the departure of Deron Williams. If the Knicks want to shop the point guard, they have options. However, Calderon's contract is what stands in the way. He is scheduled to make $7.4 million this season and $7.7 million next season. At age 33 with injuries on his resume, that is an unwanted move.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the chances Calderon is moved are slim. The point guard provides a strong veteran presence on the court alongside the two young stars. That could prove invaluable to the Knicks moving forward. If healthy, Calderon is still an elite shooter and a great presence on the court for Carmelo Anthony. The money is certainly not ideal and the Knicks would love to get rid of the contract, but that is easier said than done with a player like Calderon.
