New York Knicks Should Be Conservative at Trade Deadline

The 2015 NBA Trade Deadline will pass on Thursday, February 19 at 3 p.m. ET. Thus, the time for teams to improve their short and long-term futures is expiring.

The New York Knicks are limited in their flexibility on the trade market, but there’s no question that the potential for a big move exists. Not only are the Knicks flush with expiring contracts, but they have a young and movable player in Tim Hardaway Jr.

Rather than going all-out for a deadline deal, the Knicks should be conservative at the trade deadline.

According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, that’s the exact opposite of what New York plans to be. Whether or not they execute a deal, they will be active.

If all else fails, the Knicks will grant their veterans the opportunity to play for a contender via a buyout.

"Only [Carmelo] Anthony is assured of remaining a Knick when the calendar hits March, and he’s expected to have surgery on his left knee at some point after Sunday’s All-Star Game. The Knicks are trying to trade [Jose] Calderon and [Pablo] Prigioni, and [Amar’e] Stoudemire and [Andrea] Bargnani likely will be bought out after the Feb. 19 trade deadline."

If it hadn’t yet commenced, the tanking process is now officially underway.

As reported by Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Amar’e Stoudemire will weigh his options during All-Star Weekend. Whether or not he’ll request a buyout is unknown, but also expected.

As for Andrea Bargnani, his future is more of a question mark.

Bargnani’s expiring contract is valuable in trade talks, but it’ll also help the Knicks clear up cap space in the pending period of free agency. To deal the 29-year-old would be to take on another financial gamble in the players who are received as a return.

Should New York receive the opportunity to deal the Italian big man for other expiring contracts and a draft pick, however, that avenue is clearly worthy of exploring.

Per Iannazzone, Knicks head coach Derek Fisher is intrigued by what Bargnani can offer his team.

That’s a debatable stance, but it’s worth testing Bargnani out in the Triangle Offense.

Say what you will about his failing to live up to the hype of a No. 1 draft pick, but Bargnani is a skilled 7’0″ player. He may not be a star-caliber contributor, but he can shoot, pass and go to the post with reasonable effectiveness..

If Bargnani shines in the pinch post role, his long term value in the Triangle Offense could change. A big, “If,” but a possibility nonetheless.

The other hurdle in remaining conservative is that the Knicks have a player whom they’d like to move in Jose Calderon. The Spaniard is not only declining in production, but he’s due over $7 million per season through 2016-17.

Barring the quintessential must-have deal, the Knicks should still stand their ground.

Feb 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard

(0) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Calderon may not be playing at a $7 million level, but he’ll hold significant value come the 2015 offseason. The not-so-arguably No. 1 pending free agent is current Memphis Grizzlies center and MVP candidate Marc Gasol.

Gasol and Calderon have been teammates on Spain’s men’s national basketball team since 2006.

It’s a long-term risk, but that’s been the theme of Jackson’s decisions during his time as team president. Every move has been calculated with a focus on building a sustainable period of future success.

In the attempt to do so, Calderon’s presence could pay dividends—both in potentially landing Gasol and providing a sharpshooter’s touch as a corner 3 specialist.

Oct 8, 2014; Hartford, CT, USA; New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) drives the ball against Boston Celtics center

(41) in the first half at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of what the Knicks choose to do with Bargnani, Calderon, Prigioni and Stoudemire, they shouldn’t force the issue. Prigioni’s playing on a very cheap contract, Bargnani and Stoudemire are pending free agents, and Calderon has value in the race for Gasol.

If a deal presents itself that facilitates Jackson’s long-term vision, the Knicks would be foolish to turn it down.

To change pace and stray away from what’s helped New York position itself for a massive offseason, however, would be nothing short of a failure.

Jackson’s been as aggressive as any executive in the NBA since taking over as team president. As the trade deadline nears, New York must not do itself an injustice by trading out of desperation.

Jackson’s already masterfully constructed a bright future. His decisions at the trade deadline will make or break it.

Next: Jose Calderon has long-term value. It all starts with Marc Gasol.