It seems as thought point guard Jose Calderon is on the chopping block for the second year in a row as the Knicks search for some mid-season trades to help them reach the eastern conference playoffs. Following the All Star break, discussion of a trade has continued to grow. There was talk of Pau Gasol having interest in the Knicks, Kevin Durant, All-Star Game MVP Russell Westbrook, and the most common name we hear is Jeff Teague.
Jeff Teague was a first round draft pick of the Atlanta Hawks in the 2009 draft. He has started 345 games over the four and a half years since entering the NBA. Teague is averaging 15.1 points and 5.5 assists per game. The 27-year-old point guard has played in 51 games for his team who is sitting as a top eight team in the eastern conference with a chance for a postseason run.
Prior to the All Star Break the Knicks were 23-32 off a six game losing streak, and dealing with the firing of former Head Coach Derek Fisher. The franchise has been actively trying to turn the program around to finish the next two months on a high note and feel a trade is necessary for that to happen.
A successful trade for Teague would not allow the Knicks to pursue players such as Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies, who they have been in contact with for some time now.
The Knicks are not the only ones actively pursuing Teague. In fact, the Indiana Pacers are also trying to make him their new point guard in a trade with the Hawks for George Hill. The Pacers may have an enticing trade offer in Hill for Teague. The Knicks are looking to sell Calderon and the rest of his $7.7 million contract, but if necessary, they are considering selling Calderon with a second player.
Calderon is only averaging 7.5 points, 4.1 assists per game in 51 games this season. Another possible trade choice is Kyle O’Quinn. The 25-year-old forward was signed to a 4 –year, $16 million deal. O’Quinn is averaging 4.5 points, 3.7 rebounds in 43 games, but is young and may have potential if he could get more minutes on a new team.
The Knicks may not have enough to offer in a trade that would allow them to pick up a strong guard. With the trade deadline in less than 24 hours, if the Knicks are unable to get Teague they would have to wait until the end of the season to hope a player like Conley is still interested in joining the Knicks.
Along with Teague and Conley, there has been talk of the Knicks pursuing Brandon Jennings of the Detroit Pistons along with Hawks guard Dennis Schroder. The Knicks are desperately trying to turn the program around in the last two months as because of trade deadlines, may simply run out of time.
However, one thing is for sure that should be straightened out now while many people are wondering. Carmelo Anthony is not going anywhere. Many sources have stated that he is leaving and/or unhappy with the Knicks, but in recent interviews the 31-year old- all star has confirmed that he is not going anywhere and has no plans to waive his no-trade clause.