By Brian Rauf December 18, 2015

The New York Knicks are surprisingly competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but their roster is still a work in progress - and they know what area they need to improve. With Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Robin Lopez holding down the frontcourt, the Knicks are looking to trade for some help in the backcourt, according to ESPN's Ian Begley.

Some members of the front office recently expressed interest in obtaining a young scoring guard or a shooter to improve the backcourt, sources said. Though, one source cautioned, the Knicks don’t plan, at this point, to make a move that would have an impact on their future cap flexibility.

According to reports, Jamal Crawford, Kevin Martin and Brandon Jennings, among others, might be available via trade. Jennings is a 2016 free agent, so he wouldn’t impact the Knicks’ cap situation this summer if they choose to acquire him as a rental. But he’s coming off of ruptured Achillies tendon injury, so trading for him would come with a significant amount of risk. The New York Post reported that Jennings is on the market.

The Clippers have originally made Crawford available this summer and haven't taken him off the trade block since. He's scheduled to be a free agent this summer, so he wouldn't hinder New York's cap space (over $20 million) in the offseason - but New York didn't pursue him at all when he was originally made available.

Minnesota has also been looking to shop Kevin Martin to make room for rookie Zach LaVine in the starting lineup alongside Ricky Rubio, but Martin is under contract for $7 million next season, cutting into New York's cap space.

That leaves Jennings, who New York is rumored to be heavily pursuing. He has been replaced by Reggie Jackson in Detroit's starting lineup, and the Pistons haven't been shy about making him available. Jennings will also be a free agent after this season, putting him as the low-risk, high-reward favorite for the Knicks.

If New York doesn't acquire a point guard before the trade deadline, they're certain to sign one in free agency this summer. Both Memphis' Mike Conley and Sacramento's Rajon Rondo headline the point guard class.

The Knicks are currently 12-14 on the season.

He's worth $7 million . . .

blkexec wrote:

Knicks1969 wrote:Kevin Martin? I prefer Afflalo. We need a PG

We need both....Athletic scorers, shooters and a PG....Can't rely on AA to be healthy all year, entering his mid 30's

Afflalo just turned 30 in October.

Kevin Martin is almost 33.

CrushAlot wrote:

dk7th wrote:phil jackson would have zero interest in players like jennings and crawford. martin is more in his wheelhouse.

I think you are probably right. The guys out there that are being mentioned in rumors that are intriguing to me are Noah, Gibson, and Morris.

franco12 wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:We don't need a trade we can simply call up eric green from the d league w our open roster spot

when we play well, and we get production from KOQ & D Williams, I like our roster and would be hesitant to tamper with our parts, even Calderon.

I'd agree with Briggs, and try a D League/unsigned FA move and hope they can blossom like Galloway.

This summer we're going to have a tough time as the way Afflalo is playing, he is going to opt out and get a big pay day.

This is why I always criticized Fisher. His terrible use of our roster makes it look as if our talents don't match, but I don't believe that is the case. If he could simply realize that Calderon is no longer a starting PG but a backup SG, that would bring much clarity to the roster. Our starting back court needs an infusion of youth/speed. A dude who will not be reluctant to attack the basket, as well as, a dude that can defend. That dude is Grant/Gallo. Either of those two would be a drastic upgrade from Calderon as PG

CrushAlot wrote:

shinmen wrote:Why not staying put and developping our newly acquired players. The knicks won't win the championship this year or the next.
Please let's have some continuity and develop chemistry which is even more important than talent.
I really wish we could stop to find the quick fix. If we make the playoffs, fine. It's gonna be a good experience. If not, as long as the team stay competitive and give 100% effort, I'm ok with that.
Let's not forget that teams like GS and SA have found success with this recipe.

I think this is probably the smart approach. Once ten day contracts start I think the Knicks will sign a point guard from the d l. I don't know if Jimmer is what the knicks need but he might be the guy they bring up.

I can't say I've seen a lot of Fredette at the NBA level. He looks like a dynamic, fun player, but I'm dubious he gets into the paint as easily as he can in the D-league and even more so he can get his shot off if he gets there in the NBA.

Jackson apparently is intrigued.

dk7th wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

dk7th wrote:phil jackson would have zero interest in players like jennings and crawford. martin is more in his wheelhouse.

I think you are probably right. The guys out there that are being mentioned in rumors that are intriguing to me are Noah, Gibson, and Morris.

He's currently making 32.7% of his mid-range shots and 36.5% overall. I hope Phil doesn't think that's good!

but what is the cause? injury or age?