The New York Knicks may look at making trades at the deadline this season after firing head coach Derek Fisher. Players like Brandon Jennings, Jeff Teague, Channing Frye and Dennis Schroder could be potential targets for Phil Jackson to go after to help add some depth to the roster.
The Knicks fired Fisher after losing their fifth straight game and nine of their last 10 and now the team is moving forward with Kurt Rambis as interim head coach. Jackson said in a press conference about the firing that Rambis will be the coach for the rest of the season. According to ESPN, Jackson said that the team is "looking to improve this ballclub" and Ian Begley reports that the Knicks are "looking for" a "meaningful trade" as the deadline gets closer.
The Knicks have been mentioned in connection with multiple players in trades this season, including names like Jeff Teague and Brandon Jennings. Jackson said in his press conference that the team doesn't have "a tremendous amount of favorable trade items that are on our roster," but that likely will not stop the team from exploring deals at the deadline. ESPN reports that the team has "made inquiries" about Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder with the Hawks, although "talks with Atlanta did not progress."
The team has also been mentioned in connection with Brandon Jennings since earlier in the season and the Knicks are "monitoring the play" of the point guard, according to ESPN. Jackson said that the Knicks are not going to look at trading Carmelo Anthony or Kristaps Porzingis, as those players are considered "off-limits" at this point in trade talks. The Knicks have been "focused" on a point guard in trade talks, according to ESPN sources.
The Knicks feel that they can upgrade at the position with Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant not getting enough done for the team this season. The point guard play has been one of the weak spots for the Knicks this season and the team is hoping to add at least one piece at the deadline at that position. The Knicks are trying to stay in playoff contention in the eastern conference and they currently are behind the Wizards, Magic and Hornets in the standings.
