If the New York Knicks can find some consistency, they can become a dark horse for the NBA Playoffs. The team is deadly when both Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis are shooting well while Arron Afflalo gets his shots in as well. However, when none of that is working, the Knicks fall apart due to a lack of scoring depth. The biggest weakness on the team is the point guard position and if the team does not make a trade at the deadline for help, they might not see the postseason.
The biggest issue for the Knicks all season has been the lack of an elite point guard. Jose Calderon is once again disappointing on the court while Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway are struggling with consistency. Their struggles are not pairing well with the shooting slum of Afflalo which has been the downfall of the Knicks in recent games.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Knicks continue to eye the trade market for a point guard, but their options are limited due to their lack of assets on the roster. Calderon has missed the past four games with a groin injury. Grant was shut out against the Celtics leaving Galloway to try and pick up the slack. It was not enough and now as the Knicks hover around the .500 mark just outside the playoff picture, they need to make a trade or they risk not going anywhere.
Isola points out that the Knicks are trying to avoid acquiring a player that has a contract extending past this season. Phil Jackson has Mike Conley at the top of their list for free agency this summer and simply need to buy their time until then. Isola notes that many league executives believe the Knicks are desperate to make a move, but no team is buying on their available packages. The team has shown interest in Brandon Jennings, Jamal Crawford and Ty Lawson, but all of the deals have been denied along with one for Jeff Teague. Outside of that there is really nothing the Knicks can do for a short-term upgrade.
The Knicks might have to wait until free agency to get their guy. According to ESPN.com, the Memphis Grizzlies have no plans of letting Conley walk away. Other options could be available via a trade. Players like Teague or even Chris Paul could be options depending on what happens with their respective teams. Rajon Rondo will be an option as well when his deal expires. Calderon's contract will be more manageable for a team to take on and New York could take advantage of it.
