The New York Knicks have concerns at the point guard position despite having three players occupying the role. Jose Calderon was acquired last season and spent most of the 2014-15 season on the bench with injuries. Langston Galloway was the late-season breakout star, but team president Phil Jackson only gave him a partially guaranteed contract this year in case he struggles to continue the momentum. Jerian Grant enters as the unproven rookie. Could this cause the Knicks to seek a trade mid-season for a big playmaker?
Take the rumors for what they are worth, but recent talk has the New York Knicks showing interest in Ricky Rubio currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe originally reported that the Timberwolves were considering trading the point guard who signed a big contract extension last season due to impatience with his improvement. After the departure of Kevin Love, Rubio was eyed to be the face of the franchise. Instead, Andrew Wiggins rose to the occasion and the Timberwolves drafted Tyus Jones to potentially round out a young, but talent core group of players.
Oazio Cauchi of the international basketball site Sportando followed up that report by saying the New York Knicks are interested in Rubio in what could be a mid-season trade depending on how their options develop. Cauchi said that Jackson is not satisfied with the team's options and was disappointed when deals for Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic and Patrick Beverley were denied. If he feels all three of the Knicks' point guards do not have a future on the team, the Knicks could be serious contenders for Rubio is both sides agree to a deal.
Calderon has made it clear that he intends to be the man in 2015 and return to playing as the point guard the Knicks were hoping they were getting in the first place. The veteran is slated to earn $15 million over the next two seasons and wants to return to New York, but he is aware that trade rumors are circling his name and the franchise could make a move at any point.
Salary cap space would be an issue. Rubio is entering the first season of a four-year, $55 million contract signed following the departure of Love. That is not an easy deal to take on. However, after giving Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams team-friendly contracts that include options for next year, the Knicks have some flexibility once the salary cap increases. Fans would be wise not to hold their breathe on this getting finalized any time soon.
