With the NBA trade deadline getting close, it appears the New York Knicks could wait until free agency to address their need for an elite point guard. Jose Calderon was never expected to be that player and faith is fading on Jerian Grant. After Derek Fisher was fired as head coach, Phil Jackson stressed the need ofr a major trade. With money to spend in the upcoming free agency run, a point guard will be a priority for the Knicks. However, their options could be shrinking as Rajon Rondo admits he is not interested.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, Rondo is removing himself from contention for a contract from the Knicks. The point guard will be a free agency after his contract expires with the Sacramento Kings this summer. Rondo is not expected to return to Sacramento and the Knicks are apparently no longer an option either as he admits the triangle offense is not for him.
"The triangle's not really a good look for me, I don't think," Rondo said, via ESPN.com.
Rondo knows the Knicks run the triangle. Does that means a nice, multi-year contract could not persuade him to change his style? That is unclear. Last year, free agency was not kind to Rondo, forcing him to agree to a one-year deal. Rondo wants a max contract. The Knicks can afford to give it to him as they will have at least $19 million in salary cap space to work with.
If Rondo is taking himself off the team's radar, who is on it? Mike Conley might not be available. According to Begley, Conley is a top priority for the Knicks, but his current team, the Memphis Grizzlies, are thinking the same thing. The Grizzlies have no plans of letting Conley walk away. The Grizzlies point guard told ESPN.com that everything is on the table. He has not made any decisions regarding his future beyond this season, but will explore everything once the year is over. That means the Knicks have a fighting chance.
Conley is Plan A while Rondo is Plan B. However, the Knicks might have to look further down the list if neither are available. Brandon Jennings will be an option while Jeff Teague could be a target in a trade. Jamal Crawford will be available, but as a veteran. Could the Knicks wait until 2017 to chase a star? According to Begley, holding off and trying to get Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook is an option. The fans might not be thrilled about sitting through another rough season of point guard play with Calderon as the likely starter. However, getting one of those options could mean long-term success for the Knicks.
