Knicks Trade Rumors: NY Should Make Major Push to Land JJ Redick Before Deadline

The major pieces are in place for the New York Knicks to challenge for an Eastern Conference title. Adding one more scoring threat to the rotation, such as J.J. Redick, would further solidify them as a serious threat to the defending champion Miami Heat.

Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com first reported that the Knicks were looking into a possible deal for Redick, with Iman Shumpert serving as the main piece going to the Orlando Magic. There was clearly work left to do, though.

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The Magic and Knicks have discussed a J.J. Redick for Iman Shumpert trade. Other players (and maybe a third team) would have to be involved.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 19, 2013"

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports has since reported that multiple other teams are interested in trading for the shooting guard, including the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Quite simply, that means the Knicks are going to have to step up if they want to add Redick before tomorrow's deadline. He's clearly a popular target and the Magic are probably just waiting to see which team offers the best package.

That's where the third team Kennedy mentioned could come into play for New York. Help sweeten the offer by adding more chips to the pot without having to give up one of their own key rotation pieces. Or go the draft pick route.

Either way, the Knicks should put on the full-court press in an attempt to land Redick. He's the type of player who can provide an instant spark off the bench thanks to his outside shooting or step into the starting lineup when Jason Kidd is struggling.

Between him and J.R. Smith, the Knicks would have enough perimeter firepower to keep pace with the Heat come playoff time. In the NBA, you can never have enough good shooters, especially when going up against a team like Miami that can post big numbers.

Redick is averaging 15 points and four assists while shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc so far this season. Those numbers were attained playing 32 minutes per game for the lowly Magic. He would be more of a role player in New York.

Still, it shows the type of production he can bring to the table for a contender. Adding him to a team that already features Carmelo Anthony, who's averaging 28 points per contest, Raymond Felton. Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler would give the Knicks great scoring depth.

Aside from Anthony, they don't have as much top-end talent as the star-studded Heat. Therefore, they have to counter that with depth. Redick is an elite pure shooter and is definitely capable of filling a couple of different roles.

The Knicks should work hard over the next 24 hours to bring him into the fold.