Phil Jackson reportedly wants 3-and-D guy Jae Crowder included in the trade package, if the Boston Celtics pursue a trade for All-Star swingman Carmelo Anthony this offseason. According to Marc Beerman, the New York Knicks president of basketball operation likes Crowder to the extent that he regretted not asking for the forward when he traded for Tyson Chandler in 2014.
Big Apple love for Crowder
Beerman stated the Carmelo Anthony to Celtics scenario is still in play, and negotiations could heat up if the Celtics strikeout on marquee free-agents this summer.
The NBA insider also noted Jackson would want Crowder to be part of the trade package, along with a top pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
“The Post has learned that in talks with the Celtics, their defensive small forward Jae Crowder would be a major player of interest for Knicks president Phil Jackson," according to Beerman.
The 26-year old Crowder averaged 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 treys per game during the regular-season. However, his calling card remains his perimeter defense, as Celtics head coach Brad Stevens often assigns him to guard the opposing team’s best wingman.
If New York eventually lands Crowder via Melo trade, it won’t be shocking at all if he’ll get a much larger role for the Knicks, who direly need a two-way player on their roster.
Crowder played over 32 minutes per game for the Celtics this regular-season, but he could get the opportunity of taking his career to another level by becoming one of the main cogs of the team.
Point guard search
The Knicks are reportedly eyeing New Orleans Pelicans’ playmaker Jrue Holiday and Indiana Pacers’ Jeff Teague as potential free-agency target at the point guard spot.
Unfortunately, the Knicks are a bit cash-strapped heading into free-agency with just $19MM to spend under the current salary cap projections.
Ian Begley of ESPN New York pointed out that the Knicks will have a hard time convincing Teague and Holiday accept an offer less than their market price.
Begley adds the Knicks would have to trade Anthony to a cap-rich team like the Philadelphia 76ers ( which is unlikely because of Melo veto power) or waive Joakim Noah’s contract ($55MM over three years) via stretch provision to sign their target point guard and keep some of the key players from last season.
Then, there's the possibility of re-signing Derrick Rose to a one-year contract. Jackson was reportedly impressed by Rose's commitment with the Knicks despite the drama that surrounded the team throughout the 2016-17 season. Rose might be open to sign another bargain one-year contract for another shot at turning his career around and improve his free-agency stock.
