New York Knicks president Phil Jackson. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA rumors continue as some transactions negotiated during the trade deadline were placed on hold, and some might be revisited.
It was very tempting for the New York Knicks to trade for a point guard as more options were revealed near the deadline. After former All-Star Jeff Teague, there were also rumblings about Ricky Rubio.
The Knicks still has a real chance to make the playoffs and they had no incentive to tank because their first round pick was owed to another team (either the Denver Nuggets or Toronto Raptors). Madison Square Garden has not hosted a post-season game in two seasons.
Still, Phil Jackson refused to succumb to the mounting pressure. In a move that was not "Knicks-esque" he decided to hold on to their 2018 first-round draft pick, which pretty much killed their chances, as recounted by ESPN reporter Ian Begley.
"Jackson's firm rule at the trade deadline, per league sources, was that the Knicks hold on to their 2018 first-round pick," Begley reported. "It's unclear how frequently the Knicks were asked for the pick in the days leading up to the trade deadline, but what is clear is that it was off limits, according to league sources familiar with the club's thinking."
One unnamed source was quoted: "Phil said that they weren't dealing it,"
We would probably not be privy to who or what transactions were in play, whether it was Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks or Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but of which were rumored to be available and the Knicks being the team most eager for point guard help.
Rubio would have been an ideal fit with scorers Carmelo Anthony and promising Kristaps Porzingis. If Calderon was not part of the deal, Rubio would have joined his Spanish teammate.
While some of their fans might be disappointed with this, NBC says it is a positive sign.
"If you're a Knicks fan, you have to be encouraged by that stance, given the Knicks' recklessness with dealing away future picks in previous years," NBC's Sean Highkin said. "Jackson recognizes how much that approach has hamstrung his team in the past, and he's determined not to make that mistake again for a player that doesn't vault them into championship contention."
Jackson seems confident about his drafting prowess after Kristaps Porzingis turned out to be a major steal. A playoff appearance this season would not be worth mortgaging their future again.
