The New York Knicks are looking for backcourt help. It has been widely reported that the Knicks are trying to take the scoring pressure off Carmelo Anthony while looking for upgrades over the struggling Jose Calderon along with Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway. The point guard position will be a focus in the upcoming free agency stint, but could the Knicks try to go big now and get their guy?
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Mike Conley will be a top target for the Knicks in 2016. With Calderon expected to exit along with potentially Galloway, the Knicks need an elite starter for the role. Conley has an expiring contract to his name with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Knicks are expected to come calling. The team will have upwards of $30 million to spend in free agency. The success of Kristaps Porzingis means the Knicks can use that money to focus on scoring a get an elite point guard like Conley. However, could they try to get him sooner rather than later?
When Conley hits free agency, interest will be high and the Knicks will have competition. According to ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton, the Grizzlies should consider trading the point guard now and capitalizing on his value. With the Grizzlies slipping near .500, the chances they win a playoff series are slim. Selling on Conley could help in the future. The question is whether or not the Knicks have the trade assets to get a deal done. New York would not hesitate to offer up Calderon in a package while Kyle O'Quinn and Derrick Williams have been reported as available thanks to Porzingis playing well. That might not be enough to entice the Grizzlies to sell now.
ESPN's Ian Begley writes that if the Knicks are going to try to get backcourt help at the trade deadline, they will instead look for a player that will have no impact on their salary cap in the future. Jimmer Fredette could actually be the favored move as the guard is currently thriving in the D-League while having a big fan in Phil Jackson. Bringing up Fredette is a low-risk, high-reward move that could really pay off this season. Trades for Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson and Jamal Crawford would see the Knicks giving up an asset for a one-year rental. That is not the most ideal move.
The Knicks are getting better play from their current roster. Arron Afflalo and Grant are playing better. O'Quinn is thriving off the bench. The Knicks may opt to stick with their current roster and prepare for free agency where Conley is a top target.
