Knicks target backup point guard, could deal Toney Douglas to Minnesota Timberwolves for Jonny Flynn
BY Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

The Knicks have had preliminary discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a trade for point guard Jonny Flynn.

No formal deal is in place, but the Knicks are debating whether Flynn, the sixth overall pick of the 2009 draft would be a viable option to back up Chauncey Billups for at least one season. Flynn has become expendable now that the Wolves have signed Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, who was taken one pick ahead of Flynn.

Toney Douglas would likely be the player traded for Flynn. However, Douglas is coming off major shoulder surgery, which in theory would make him tough to deal. But Flynn is a similar medical risk. The 6-foot guard out of Syracuse had hip surgery last July and was limited to 53 games in his second year, not including a stint in the D-League.

Coincidentally, Flynn is represented by Leon Rose, the agent for Carmelo Anthony as well as Chris Paul, whom the Knicks are targeting as their future point guard.

Even if Douglas isn't part of a potential deal, the Knicks are still interested in acquiring a prototype point guard. Douglas is highly regarded by the Knicks' front office and coaching staff for his work ethic and tenacity, especially on the defensive end.

Douglas became a much better 3-point shooter this past season. His one glaring weakness is that he is not a natural playmaker and at times his decision-making has been a source of frustration for his teammates as well as coach Mike D'Antoni.

Another option for the Knicks is Ramon Sessions, who will become expendable if, as is likely, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the top overall pick in Thursday's draft. Irving will become Baron Davis' backup for the time being.

Two summers ago, the Knicks had an opportunity to sign Sessions as a free agent, but Donnie Walsh didn't feel that Sessions was an upgrade at the position. Sessions does have strong support on the Knicks' staff, having played AAU ball in South Carolina for assistant coach Dan D'Antoni.

The Knicks own the 17th pick in the draft. There have been various reports that the Knicks may look to move up and/or purchase a late first-round pick or, more likely, a second-round selection.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2011/06/19/2011-06-19_knicks_target_backup_point_guard_could_deal_toney_douglas_to_minnesota_for_jonny.html