Knicks Trade Rumors: Reviewing Latest Chatter on 2017 Deadline Day

What's New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson's vision for the future? The Zen Master raved about forward Carmelo Anthony upon his arrival in the Big Apple. He also showed faith in guard Derrick Rose after multiple knee surgeries. Now, they're both talking points in major trade deadline rumors. 

Barring a complete turnaround, the 23-34 Knicks don't have a bright postseason outlook. They sit four games out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers staring them in the face on Thursday.

To improve the Knicks' chances at squeaking into the playoffs, Jackson must add another defender to the roster. New York allows 109.2 points per contest. The top scorers provide enough scoring to win games, but the opposition battles little resistance on the other end. 

Who's available and able to help the Knicks' defensive efforts? What's the latest on Anthony's no-trade clause stalemate?

3-Way Trade Involving Pistons and Timberwolves?

Initial reports painted Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau as a staunch believer in Rose, which sparked trade rumors, per NBA.com's David Aldridge: 

However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst added context to the Timberwolves' long-term plans and added a twist to the Knicks-Timberwolves trade speculation. The NBA insider noted Minnesota's plan to turn the starting point guard position over to rookie Kris Dunn after dumping guard Ricky Rubio's contract. As a result, dealing for Rose on an expiring deal makes sense. 

According to Windhorst's sources in the report above, the Detroit Pistons' interest in moving guard Reggie Jackson muddies the waters a bit. If the Knicks agree to help facilitate a three-way point guard trade, the Timberwolves could move Rubio, the Pistons would send Jackson on his way and New York would move on with a younger, more durable player at the 5-spot. It could work out for all three parties involved.

It's also believed that Jackson favors Rubio, per Windhorst.

"The 26-year-old is under contract for a total of $29 million over the next two seasons—though others who have been in touch with the Knicks recently came away with the impression that Jackson is a fan of Rubio," said Windhorst.

The Knicks could finish the season with a pass-first point guard in place to further set up Kristaps Porzingis and Anthony for buckets. Through 51 games, Rubio averages 8.3 assists per outing.

Interest in Patrick Beverley

As mentioned, the Knicks can use some defensive resistance for better outcomes. As a quality on-ball defender, it's not a surprise to hear Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley's name tied to New York among the trade speculation, per ESPN reporter Calvin Watkins:

The Knicks would probably have to send a draft pick and possibly Rose to acquire Beverley, who's carved out a role as a tenacious backcourt defender alongside James Harden. At the moment, the bearded superstar takes care of point guard duties, which bumps Beverley over to shooting guard. Though, he's still averaging 4.4 assists per contest. 

Before Knick fans begin to embrace Beverley as a potential addition, Watkins also reported the Rockets disinterest in moving their starting 2-guard before the deadline:

A Courtney Lee-Beverley combination isn't the most exciting tandem, but the Knicks absolutely need someone to slow down the opposition's backcourt scoring threats. Optimists may have fabricated Lee's ability to defend or at least oversold his description as a three-and-D player.

Melo's Pride Rooted in New York

The drama surrounding Anthony will finally come to an end on Thursday—for now. ESPN reporter Ian Begley narrowed down the Knicks forward's potential trade destinations to the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers. As we all know, Anthony ultimately holds the leverage with his no-trade clause. Though, each team would put him in a better position to win an NBA title.

However, pride may keep Anthony in New York as opposed to chasing a ring on a playoff contender, per Begley's sources: 

"

Some members of the organization told teams earlier this month that they did not believe Anthony would waive his no-trade clause; one theory among some in the organization is that Anthony doesn't want to give Jackson the satisfaction of having run him out of town.

"

Jackson put Anthony in uncomfortable situations multiple times throughout the season with harsh opinions on the 10-time All-Star's play style. Unflattering descriptions like ball hog come to mind. The Knicks' star forward may try to outlast the Zen Master in a toxic relationship.

Unfortunately, the fans don't deserve a stare down between the franchise's best player and team president—not while impatiently waiting for a championship run. No matter what happens at the trade deadline, the Knicks will need to readjust their compass for the future.

Stats provided by NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.