With a lack of draft picks and roster assets to their name, the New York Knicks might have to delay their search for a point guard until the offseason. No one wants a mid-season deal for someone like Jose Calderon and Kyle O'Quinn, forcing the Knicks to stand at the trade deadline. However, the upcoming offseason will be a different story for the Knicks as Phil Jackson made it clear he is determined to make moves to better the roster and get back into playoff contention. The list of players to target is getting lengthy.
At one point last season, the Knicks had a lot of interest in Goran Dragic. The point guard's value was high and so was his price tag. The Knicks were shut out by the Miami Heat who in return signed Dragic to a large contract. However, this season the point guard appears to be the weakest link for Miami as he struggles in their offense. According to the Miami Sun-Sentinel, Dragic could be an offseason trade target for the Heat should this year not end well.
Dragic will be a difficult trade to pull off simply because of his contract. Prior to the season starting, Dragic earned a max contract of five years and $85 million. The Knicks would have to make a deal work to match that, but that type of thing is easier in the offseason than in the middle of the year. If Jackson still has interest in Dragic, he will figure out a way to make the move.
Ricky Rubio is another player that was a target of the Knicks' last season and could be again if the Minnesota Timberwolves are serious about shopping him. According to Yahoo Sports, the Timberwolves are favoring their roster of young talent and could ship out Rubio as a result. The point guard has been hot and cold this year, but might thrive when put next to Carmelo Anthony. He would be the elite player that the Knicks have been searching for.
The Knicks are determined to make serious moves this offseason. With Calderon, Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway all struggling to make an impact on the court, Jackson wants an elite point guard to pair with Anthony. He wants someone already established in the league and trades for players like Rubio or Dragic would give him that. The team could also re-explore deals for Jeff Teague or Brandon Jennings who will be a free agent and ready to sign somewhere else.
