The New York Knicks are setting their sights high when it comes to available free-agent point guards.
Desperately in need of a starting caliber point guard to replace the aging and defensively weak Jose Calderon, the Knicks will pursue Memphis Grizzlies veteran Mike Conley and Los Angeles Lakers youngster Jordan Clarkson, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley.
Both players will be free agents this summer, yet Clarkson is restricted so the Lakers can match any offer another team gives him. The Lakers are likely to retain Clarkson because they believe he is part of their young core along with D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Because of this, Begley reports that the Knicks aren’t optimistic about signing Clarkson, but that won’t stop them from pursuing the talented guard:
The club will have at least $18 million to spend in the offseason, and could also explore the trade market to acquire a guard. They and any other team with needs in the backcourt will have interest in free agent Mike Conley. Restricted Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson also has fans in the Knicks organization, but it seems as if Los Angeles will retain the second-year player.
Similar to Clarkson, Conley may also stick with his current team, especially since the Grizzlies can pay him more than any other team and he has roots in Memphis, playing there for his entire career.
But the Knicks will have to keep going after big fish if they want to become a playoff team in the East again. And if the Knicks can’t sign anyone, perhaps they will find a willing trade partner. Improving at the point guard position is vital to their hopes for success next season.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
