The New York Knicks reportedly are trying to trade for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson, who's eligible to become a restricted free agent in July. Knicks guard Jose Calderon, meanwhile, could be the next player moved by team president Phil Jackson.
Days after shipping out Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade with Oklahoma City, Phil reportedly is still trying to find a way to land Reggie from Oklahoma City.
"The Knicks are expected to try to re-engage the Thunder in talks for point guard Reggie Jackson after being rebuffed in their efforts to land him in Monday night's three-team deal, sources say," CBS Sports' Ken Berger wrote Tuesday. "Jackson would fit into the $2.6 million trade exception New York received in the trade with Cleveland and Oklahoma City, but the Thunder have been steadfast in rebuffing trade offers for the point guard."
Reggie seemingly became more expendable to Oklahoma City with the team's acquisition of guard Dion Waiters from Cleveland. Jackson has had two big seasons for the Thunder, and there'll be a market willing to pay him this summer. With Waiters now on the roster as insurance, the Thunder are now in a better position to decide if they truly want to commit big money to Jackson. Although the Thunder's front office have said they will match any offer sheet given to Jackson this summer, they could ultimately decide to use the cap space elsewhere and trade him now as opposed to letting him walk for nothing this summer.
Monday's three-team trade resulted in the Knicks shedding around $30 million, putting them in a better position to make trades this season or lure free agents in July. Jackson, though, reportedly isn't finished trying to clear more cap space.
"With the Knicks now owners of the worst record and perhaps worst roster in the league as Phil Jackson hits the reset button in New York, league sources say the next player on the move could be point guard Jose Calderon," Berger wrote. "But at age 33 with two years and more than $15 million left on his contract, that will be a difficult proposition."
The trade deadline is on Feb. 19.
In other Knicks news, ESPN reported the team had signed D-League guard Langston Galloway. Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk and possibly Lance Thomas will be waived on Wednesday, the report added.
