New York Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly told guard Raymond Felton to expect to be traded in the offseason. The New York Knicks' coach search, meanwhile, continues in the wake of Steve Kerr accepting the Golden State Warriors job.
Jackson told Felton during exit meetings last month that he would no longer be playing for the Knicks, according to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.
"Raymond has been told he will be moved this offseason," a source told SNY.tv.
Moving Felton, who's due $4.36 million next season and has a player option for the 2015-16 season, will likely be difficult. Groin and hamstring injuries, a lack of production -- 9.7 points and 5.6 assists this season -- and off-the-court troubles strip almost all of the 29-year-old's trade value.
"Felton is the worst starting point guard in the NBA," an NBA executive told SNY.tv. "I'd take 10 college point guards and about 30 NBA backups over him right now."
ESPN's Nick Borges contends a team would only trade for Felton if it helped facilitate a deal that included Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who's unlikely to be dealt.
Buying out Felton's contract is another option. If an agreement cannot be reached, Jackson could tell Felton not to bother reporting to training camp.
The most pressing issue for Jackson, though, is finding the team's next head coach. Kerr's acceptance of the Warriors' job leaves the Knicks seemingly starting from scratch with their coaching search. Time is also a factor: Jackson needs a coach in place before July 1, when Anthony is eligible to become a free agent, to solidify his pitch for convincing Anthony to re-sign.
ESPN reports the Knicks' list of candidates includes Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Tyronn Lue and Kurt Rambis. Jackson also reportedly plans to gauge the Denver Nuggets' interest in trading their head coach, Brian Shaw.
