Phil Jackson wants a trade. The New York Knicks team president wants a deal that will help set the franchise on a better path after the firing of Derek Fisher. The outlook of the 2015-16 season is grim and Jackson is hoping to set things up for long-term success. That could mean getting involved at the trade deadline as the Knicks cannot be ruled out as an option for Mike Conley.
According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com, the Knicks are still eyeing either a trade at the deadline or a max deal for Conley. New York has determined getting a premier point guard is a priority either at the deadline or in free agency and Conley is the best out there. Currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, Conley is averaging 14.8 points and 6.1 assists per game. The Grizzlies have made it clear that they intend to retain their in-house talent, but with the team not in contention in the Western Conference, selling off a player or two for a rebuild is not a bad idea.
The chances the Knicks can get Conley in a trade are slim simply because they lack the tools and Jackson knows it. Jackson told the media that right now the Knicks are not in a good spot in terms of assets and draft picks making any move difficult. No one wants Jose Calderon or players like Derrick Williams and Kyle O'Quinn. Unless the Knicks were willing to move Arron Afflalo or even someone like Robin Lopez, they are not trading for anybody. However, Conley would not rule out a deal in free agency.
"At the end of the day, I'll give everybody the same attention, regardless of the situation, and just hear everything out," Conley said, via ESPN.com. "...I want to win. That's what I want to do at the end of the day, wherever that may be. So hopefully, when that time comes, I'll have a better vision on what I want and what I want going forward in the summer, but right now, I'm all about winning, and I want to be somewhere that's committed to doing that."
The firing of Fisher and the desire to remain committed to the triangle offense could impact the Knicks going forward. Rajon Rondo made it clear he has no interest in running that system. Will players like Brandon Jennings take the same approach? The Knicks could try for a trade deal at the end of the season for someone like Jeff Teague while they could reach on a player like Jordan Clarkson who will be a restrict free agent. There is also a chance that Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul become targets in 2017.
Carmelo Anthony has made it clear that he is standing by Jackson and the Knicks. His star power and the rising value of Kristaps Porzingis could bring a big name into the team, but the chances of it being someone like Conley remain 50-50.
