Knicks Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Amar'e Stoudemire, Jose Calderon and More
Following an 89-83 loss to the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks are officially entering the All-Star break with a 10-43 record and have the distinct honor of holding the NBA's worst record. According to Benjamin Hoffman of The New York Times, the Knicks are now the worst team in history to host the All-Star Game.
When Phil Jackson was hired as team president, we all knew a major overhaul was coming. Well, as it looks right now, the transition won't be a very smooth one.
There's plenty of chatter surrounding the Knicks organization heading into the break, as the Feb. 19 trade deadline is fast approaching and the team is running out of time to offload players who don't fit the future landscape of the team in Jackson's eyes. Here's a look at some rumors that recently surfaced on the web regarding New York's rebuild.
Amar'e Stoudemire
Stoudemire is slated to make $23 million this season, but the 32-year-old center doesn't appear to fit the team's long-term plans. That, of course, appears likely to lead to a buyout of his contract. According to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, "Stoudemire's representatives are pushing for a buyout, and the Knicks seem inclined to grant it, according to sources."
New York would be saving some money with this move, as a buyout would ultimately pay Stoudemire's remaining contract at a discounted price, allowing him to walk away from the team. Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post tweeted a stipulation of the buyout and a potential suitor:
Apparently the Suns aren't the only team interested in Stoudemire, as Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News reported the Golden State Warriors could be a landing spot, and Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein of ESPN.com peg the Dallas Mavericks as favorites.
The interest in the center is certainly warranted. Stoudemire may not put up the same numbers he did in his youth, but he's still a capable bench player. In 36 games this season (14 starts), Stoudemire is averaging 12 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor.
Jose Calderon and Others
The Knicks' rebuild could send the bulk of the team out of New York, as Al Iannazzone of Newsday reported. Much of the team is likely to be on the move, and only Carmelo Anthony's roster spot appears to be secure:
"Only Anthony is assured of remaining a Knick when the calendar hits March, and he's expected to have surgery on his left knee at some point after Sunday's All-Star Game. The Knicks are trying to trade Calderon and Prigioni, and Stoudemire and Bargnani likely will be bought out after the Feb. 19 trade deadline.
"
It appears as though Calderon's time in New York will be short-lived. He's in the midst of his first season with the team and is averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 43.6 percent from downtown.
While those numbers are better than pedestrian, Calderon does come with a hefty price tag, as he's set to make $7.4 million next season and $7.7 million in 2016, according to Spotrac.com. Offloading that contract will likely be crucial to the team's rebuild.
As for Pablo Prigioni, he doesn't come with a lofty contract, but offloading him does save the Knicks some money. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, "Prigioni is on the trade block with the Feb. 19 deadline approaching. Though he is signed for next season at $1.7 million, only $300,000 of that total is guaranteed."
Andrea Bargnani rounds out the players listed by Iannazzone. He's slated to make $11.5 million this season, according to Spotrac.com, and buying out his contract at a discount will only free up more cash for the team's future transactions.
Future Targets
So, here's the burning question: What are the Knicks likely to do with their available cap space?
According to Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops, there are already several known targets: "The Knicks will target several free agents this summer including Greg Monroe, whom I previously mentioned at the end of December, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Wesley Matthews (should Butler sign elsewhere), according to league sources."
New York will need help across the board, so that smorgasbord of players comes as little surprise. Monroe has been solid up front for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 14.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his four-year career. Jackson is a versatile point guard who is really beginning to come into his own.
Jimmy Butler has been a phenomenal scorer this year, averaging 20.4 points per game for the Chicago Bulls. Matthews wouldn't be a bad consolation prize if the team misses out on Butler. He's not quite as dynamic, but he's been steady since joining the Portland Trail Blazers back in 2010.
We'll see if these players are interested in taking up contracts with a fledgling Knicks team. However, with Anthony remaining in the fold and Jackson running the show, it's safe to call New York an intriguing option.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
