While the New York Knicks reportedly won't trade Carmelo Anthony before the NBA deadline, the Knicks are said to be targeting Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo. New York believes they have a shot to acquire Rondo in a trade package that could include Amar'e Stoudemire or Tim Hardaway Jr., USA Today Sports reports.
Despite growing concerns Anthony may leave New York in free agency this summer, the Knicks don't plan to move the superstar before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.
"There is 'no chance' the Knicks will deal Carmelo Anthony, who owns a contract opt-out this summer, before the trade deadline, a source said," Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears wrote on Sunday.
The Knicks hope to convince Anthony to re-sign in July by building a more competitive roster around him. The team's primary target has been Rondo. Although Celtics president Danny Ainge has said Rondo isn't up for grabs, New York reportedly believes they have a legitimate chance to acquire Rondo.
"Despite the consistent claims from Celtics general manager Danny Ainge that Rondo isn't available, the Knicks have a strong belief that he can be had if - in a nod to another show - the price is right," Sam Amick of USA Today Sports wrote on Friday. "They can offer the likes of Amar'e Stoudemire (one season remaining after this one, at $23.4 million) while taking future money back (such as Gerald Wallace and/or Jeff Green) and helping Ainge clear the way for the summer of 2015 that is known to be a priority of his. ...
"The Knicks can include Raymond Felton (a much cheaper point guard option) or Iman Shumpert (rookie contract) and even discuss beloved rookie Tim Hardaway Jr."
The biggest hindrance to New York's pursuit of Rondo, according to Amick, is the team's lack of future draft picks. Boston wants draft picks, but New York won't have another first-round pick to trade until 2018.
