With the trade deadline approaching, Jose Calderon's name is once again on the block. Since arriving in New York, Calderon has been thought as a trade asset for the Knicks. However, his poor production and high-priced contract have made any deal impossible to get. That has not stopped the trade chatter around Calderon as the Knicks eye backcourt help. The point guard stressed he is trying to tune everyone out.
According to Newsday.com, Calderon has heard all of the trade rumors around his name and he is simply trying to not listen and just stay healthy and improve. Calderon is certainly not new to the trade deadline drama. He seems to be involved in it every year with the Knicks. It is no secret that Calderon has not been the star the Knicks were hoping he would develop into and now they must find upgrades to take pressure off Carmelo Anthony and Arron Afflalo.
"We'll talk in the next few weeks," Calderon said, via Newsday.com. "It's what it is. I'm used to it. Like I always say, we don't know what's going to happen. I'm really happy where I am right now, with the role I have, the way we're building something here and how the team is playing. But you're always one call away from something changing."
The Knicks have been linked to a number of trade deals for point guards heading into the deadline. ESPN's Ian Begley has mention Mike Conley being a top priority along with Brandon Jennings, Jamal Crawford and potentially Rajon Rondo. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks is also a potential target moving forward. Any of those deals would likely have to include Calderon. The Knicks have depth in Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway while players like Derrick Williams and Kyle O'Quinn have proven they are too valuable to let go.
The chance that the Knicks are able to get a trade of Calderon is slim. The point guard's contract does not match his production which is a bad recipe. The Knicks will get a marquee name in the offseason to place on the court which will either force his release or spot on the bench.
The Knicks continue to get linked to trade deals at the deadline, but the chances they make a move are slim. Begley reports the Knicks do not want to bring on a player that would impact their salary cap in the future. The team intends to chase big names like Kevin Durant and potentially DeMar DeRozan. They will need as much space possible to make those deals happen.
