Now that the New York Knicks are contenders in the Eastern Conference, the front office will look for any way to make the team better in hopes of extending their season deep into the spring.

The team is currently in second place (three games back) behind the Miami Heat and is getting a lot of production out of key players. However, there are always ways to improve before the February 21 trade deadline.

Here are the latest rumors surrounding the players connected to the Knicks.

 

Luke Ridnour

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Although Luke Ridnour has started all 49 of the Minnesota Timberwolves games this season, they are ready to move on without him.

The return of Ricky Rubio has certainly reduced the need for the veteran guard.

As a result, the Knicks have already expressed interest, according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld:

Ridnour is averaging 12.2 points and 3.9 assists per game this season. He would provide even more backcourt depth for New York and give them another scoring option in relief of starters for stretches of game.

 

Jared Dudley

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On Saturday, Alex Kennedy reported that the Phoenix Suns were trying to acquire Iman Shumpert by giving up Jared Dudley.

While fans had mixed reactions about this potential move, it seems like it is no longer something to think about.

Head coach Mike Woodson told Stephen A. Smith on ESPN New York 98.7 that Shumpert will not be traded before the deadline, per Jared Zwerling of ESPN.

Dudley would have added some outside shooting ability and some much needed perimeter defense. However, it does not seem like it would have been worth losing the energy that Shumpert provides.

If the Knicks are still interested in Dudley, they will need to shell out a player of their own.

 

Louis Amundson

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While the Knicks are looking to improve the backcourt rotation, they are also searching for ways to solidify the frontcourt.

One option that the team is considering would not require giving up anything, according to Ken Berger of CBS:

Louis Amundson has not gotten on the floor much this season, but he is one of the more efficient rebounders in the league.

If he had enough minutes to qualify, he would rank No. 23 in the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes, ahead of established players like Roy Hibbert and Greg Monroe.

Due to a string of injuries, the Knicks certainly need depth in the frontcourt. Amundson would not be a high-profile acquisition, but he is the type of player that would help this squad bring home a championship.