New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are shopping for a new point guard even before the NBA offseason is in full swing  

As the 2016 NBA Finals continue, you would think that offseason rumors would heat up immediately after the Finals conclude.

This isn’t the case with the New York Knicks, who are already in the market for new talent. Is this an attempt to regain relevance and respect in the Eastern Conference?

Ian Begley of ESPN reported that the Knicks have $18 million to spend during free agency this July and can also explore the trade market as well.

Begley added that the Knicks will likely try and make a trade for Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, despite the possibility of having the Lakers snub their attempt and retain the developing guard.

Kurt Helin of NBC Sports mentioned that if the Knicks are going to try and make a trade for the second-year Lakers guard, what will the team have to give up in order to make it fair for both organizations?

Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation added that Clarkson may be a restricted free agent once the offseason comes, but the Lakers have a stronger chance of retaining him as opposed to the Knicks. The Lakers have a young roster to build around as well as new head coach in Luke Walton to develop them, making things tougher for the Knicks during free agency.

Trying to make a deal won’t be easy for Knicks President Phil Jackson, since the Knicks have young talent on their roster to develop themselves. What they do have going for them is veteran forward Carmelo Anthony watching over them as they grow into potential All-Stars.

During a recent interview with Bruce Beck of WNBC, Jackson said that Anthony told him that what the Knicks need in free agency isn’t that bad and he believes that the team can possibly make the playoffs and much more next season.

Begley also mentioned the Knicks have an interest in signing Willy Hernangomez according to team general manager Steve Mills, who was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and is also a close friend of current Knicks center Kristaps Porzingis.

Hernangomez has not played a single second in the NBA and would be a very risky option for the Knicks.

With all that in mind, signing a young and talented point guard should be a number one priority for the Knicks to help the young talent improve with the triangle offense.

Guards like Jimmer Fredette (who is currently on the NY Knicks D-League team, Westchester Knicks) needs to stay in the D-League and develop into a guard the team can count on in the future.

As for José Calderón, who averaged about 7.6 points per game with the Knicks last season, isn’t the same player he used to be when he was with the Toronto Raptors and could possibly be cut to have a younger and more skilled point guard take his place for next season.

Sasha Vujacic, who averaged 4.9 points per game with the Knicks last season, is also getting old and could also get cut by the Knicks during the offseason.

The Knicks should keep veteran point guard Arron Affalo, who averaged 12.8 points last season with the Knicks, and can guide the possible free agent point guard the Knicks need to pursue in order to have a shot at making the playoffs and much more for the upcoming 2016-17 season.

Other guards on the roster like Jerian GrantLangston Galloway, and Tony Wrotten (who was picked up by the Knicks last March) are young and have potential to develop into respectable point guards for the team.

The point guard the Knicks need to pursue needs to be an All-Star as well as commit to helping the team reach the playoffs and possibly much more for next year.

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