Knicks Trade Rumors: Buzz on Jose Calderon, Pablo Prigioni and Miles Plumlee

There's really only one way to describe the New York Knicks this season: trial and error.

President Phil Jackson tried his best to craft a roster this past summer capable of grasping the triangle offense and earning a playoff spot in the weak Eastern Conference. He orchestrated a few trades and even signed a low-tier free agent or two.

Now fast forward 53 regular season games.

The Knicks are 10-43. Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith have been dealt. Amar'e Stoudemire has been bought out. Carmelo Anthony is expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery, per Marc Stein of ESPN. And the exodus could continue with the NBA trade deadline roughly 24 hours away.

Continue on to find out about the last-minute buzz surrounding the Knickerbockers.

Jose Calderon and Pablo Prigioni

Two guards were expected to have major impacts on the team this season—veterans Jose Calderon and Pablo Prigioni.

Calderon was supposed to be an upgrade over Raymond Felton, who would not have fit into the triangle offense outlined during the offseason. Calderon is definitely a far different floor general, as he focuses more on facilitating rather than shooting. But injuries, ineffectiveness and Anthony's insistence on commanding the ball on offense made Calderon mostly obsolete on the court.

What you see is what you get with Prigioni. He hustles, plays adequate defense and can hit an open three when presented with one. But he's simply a rotational piece.

Both Calderon and Prigioni are valuable. They just aren't necessary players on this Knicks team. Naturally, they're on the block.

"The Knicks are trying to trade Calderon and Prigioni," writes Newsday's Al Iannazzone.

Contending teams would be remiss to not consider adding either guard. The Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat are in need of guard depth for various reasons.

Miami is likely in the market for someone of Prigioni's status, as both Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole are good enough to start. But the Heat need someone who can make others better as a facilitator. Chalmers and Cole don't often provide that.

Calderon makes more sense for the Pacers and Celtics. Boston is the ideal fit. Rookie Marcus Smart starts and has played well, but the team is in need of a veteran presence if it wants to sneak into the playoffs in the East. Adding Calderon would make the 20-31 Celtics a threat to grab the No. 8 spot.

Back in November, J.R. Smith (still with the Knicks at the time) told Fred Kerber of the New York Post why Calderon is so valuable: “He’s a leader from a point guard position, somebody who can make plays, make shots."

The young Celtics need a leader. Calderon could be the guy.

Miles Plumlee

Will Jackson actually add at the deadline? The goal seems to be to unload and stock picks and cap space for the offseason, but the right player and the right deal might intrigue Jackson enough to bring someone in.

Lacking a true center, the Knicks have struggled on the boards. They rank 29th in the league in rebounds, pulling down just 39.8 per game. Their opponents haul in 42.8. It's not a huge difference, but it helps to explain why the Knicks struggle.

A player like Miles Plumlee of the Phoenix Suns would help. USA Today's Sam Amick reports that the Knicks have interest:

Plumlee plays 18.6 minutes per game for the Suns, averaging 4.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. In 24.6 minutes per game last season, he did far better—8.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. Knicks head coach Derek Fisher could offer Plumlee that much playing time.

Just 26 years old, Plumlee still has room to grow. He probably won't turn into a star, but it's reasonable to think that he can play at the level of his brother, Mason.

It's generally not a good idea for disappointing teams like the Knicks to add at the deadline. It's usually best to clean house and prepare for the next season. But adding Plumlee isn't a bad idea.

Phoenix likely won't ask for all that much in return (even though it's interesting to hear that the frontcourt-deprived Suns could trade a big man), and he's owed just $2.1 million next season, after which he'll be a restricted free agent, per Spotrac.

New York needs depth and young talent to build around. Plumlee isn't great, but he would fill a hole on this roster. It'd be smart for Jackson to grab him at the right price.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn