The New York Knicks continue to toy with trade moves heading into the season, but the longer they wait to strike a deal the less likely they are to find one they like. With questions surrounding the talent level on the current roster, the Knicks could easily make moves before reporting to training camp. However, with the season right around the corner, options are getting slim and New York might simply need to be satisfied with what they have.
According to Basketball Insiders, the New York Knicks were one of the teams that showed interest in a trade for Jamal Crawford with the Los Angeles Clippers. The New York Daily News confirmed the report saying the Knicks would be willing to offer up Jose Calderon in a potential deal. However, that appears to be dead in the water as the Clippers are not making Crawford available.
According to Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, the plan is to retain Crawford in the final year of his contract. Given the guard's age and the additions of Austin Rivers and Lance Stephenson, it was assumed Crawford was up for grabs. The veteran even hinted to it on social media. However, Rivers told the media the plan is to keep Crawford and use him as always.
"I've heard all the rumors about Jamal going other places," Rivers said, via Fred Roggin on The Beast 980. "Jamal's a Clipper and I would be very surprised if he's not a Clipper by the season's end."
While this stance could easily change, for now Crawford is not an option leaving one less team willing to take Calderon. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, a trade of Calderon is not likely to happen before the season, but could easily come back into play at the mid-season deadline. For now, the Knicks want to see what they have in Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant before making any other moves. Calderon is still a candidate to be in the starting five come October. If Galloway and Grant look strong at the start of the year, the Knicks could re-visit the talks for Crawford.
Outside of the point guard position, the biggest question mark is the involvement of Kristaps Porzingis, Hype around the rookie is beginning to grow and many wonder if he will be inserted into the starting five or not. The Knicks did sign Derrick Williams in the offseason, but it appears everyone from Carmelo Anthony to Phil Jackson like what the rookie is bringing to the court.
"He's a down-to-earth guy, a humble guy," Anthony said, via ESPN.com. "You can tell that he's got a chip on his shoulder, which I love that. ... You kind of have to have that being in New York."
