New York Knicks owner James Dolan reportedly told the team on Thursday not to expect any forthcoming trades or coaching changes. Contrary to Dolan's supposed proclamation, an ESPN report on Wednesday pegged New York as still pursuing a trade this season for Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo.
The Knicks continued their downward spiral on Wednesday after a 123-95 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on national television. While the season continues to crumble, Dolan reportedly told his players on Thursday not to expect any changes.
Per ESPN's Marc Stein:
"...There are no trades or changes to the coaching staff forthcoming, ESPN.com has learned.
"Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Dolan gathered the team before the first practice in the wake of New York's embarrassing 29-point loss to Oklahoma City on Christmas Day largely in an attempt to hush the growing speculation about coach Mike Woodson's job security following the Knicks' 9-19 start."
Stein added, "It's believed Dolan took the step in an attempt to persuade Woodson's players to band together and throw their full support behind the embattled coach..."
Stein's report is contradictory to a report on Wednesday night by ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who said the Knicks are still gunning for a trade this season to get Rondo.
"According to league sources, the Knicks' first prong is to try to attract the Celtics' Rajon Rondo," Windhorst wrote. "... But the way the Knicks are hoping to get Rondo is a little unusual.
"It's not in free agency in 2015 (when Rondo's contract expires) but later this season or next summer when he comes back from a torn ACL. The Knicks are hoping Rondo will be interested in making a maneuver similar to what Anthony did back in 2011 and eventually try to force a trade to the Knicks, sources said."
The plan hinges on Rondo 1) wanting to go to New York, and 2) being willing to threaten Boston with leaving in free agency to force a trade.
It's uncertain what, if any, level of interest Rondo has in departing from the Celtics. The All-Star point guard isn't expected to play before mid-January.
