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New York Knicks Takeaways From Quiet NBA Trade Deadline

By Kenneth Teape

Feb 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson (right) watches during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson (right) watches during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Takeaways From Quiet NBA Trade Deadline
Nov 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and guard Brandon Jennings (3) react to a call after Rose is charged with a foul during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Cap Space Galore This Summer

With the Knicks standing pat at the deadline, there are two outcomes. They didn’t add any players, which means that they didn’t add any long-term money. That was one of the sticking points about Rubio; he is owed almost $29 million the next two seasons.

The other outcome is that the Knicks are set to be flush with cap space this summer. By holding onto Rose and Jennings, the Knicks will have over $26 million coming off the books this summer. With the salary cap expected to rise again, the Knicks could be players in free agency once again.

What they are able to do with that cap space is an entirely different question. The recent actions by James Dolan and Phil Jackson have not reflected well on the organization. How they have handled the Anthony situation, and the bizarre incident with Charles Oakley, has turned players off from the Knicks.

That could all change once money is offered, but right now it looks like the Knicks will be hard-pressed to add a high level player in free agency. They could get stuck negotiating with second and third tier free agents, which they did this past offseason. They need to figure out the direction they want to go in and stick to it. This past offseason, specifically the deal for Noah, will leave the Knicks handcuffed to a certain extent for years to come.

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