With the time ticking away before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, the New York Knicks have escalated trade talks as they prepare for a playoff run. A number of rumors are already swirling, and we're here to separate the fact from fiction and analyze what could actually happen and what's merely speculation.
Iman Shumpert to the Clippers?
A number of sources including Yahoo and ESPN are reporting that the Knicks and Clippers are discussing a deal that would send Iman Shumpert and Raymond Felton to LA for Darren Collison and Reggie Bullock.
While talks are still in early stages, there's definite mutual interest from both sides. Other players may become involved as the teams attempt to balance the scales, and it sounds like F Jared Dudley is a potential chip the Clippers might use to even things out.
Despite Shumpert's popularity with fans in New York, it sounds like he's by far the most likely player to be moved before the deadline. The biggest roadblock to the deal? It sounds like the Clippers have no interest in Raymond Felton (can you blame them?), but the Knicks are desperate to offload the floundering PG.
Jeremy Lin's Potential "Homecoming"
The Knicks have definite interest in Houston's Jeremy Lin. Houston isn't wild about the contract Lin signed, and there's word that they're pursuing other long-term options at point guard (Boston's Rajon Rondo is reportedly their dream target, but Boston wants Chandler Parsons as part of the deal - and the Rockets aren't biting).
Word around the league is that Houston would want Iman Shumpert AND Tim Hardaway Jr. for Lin - and it's unlikely that the Knicks would pull the trigger if it means Raymond Felton is the only backup PG they're left with.
Is Carmelo Anthony on the Move?
Despite the rumors you might be hearing out there, there's absolutely no chance that a blockbuster 'Melo trade suddenly materializes by Thursday afternoon.
While there's a chance that Anthony departs this Summer, it's useless to speculate on his future at this point in time - Carmelo's decision will largely depend on how far the Knicks go in this year's playoffs, and there's no indication that he's ready to give up on the Knicks.
Iman Shumpert for Kenneth Faried?
This rumor first started circulating much earlier in the season, but it sounds as though there's still a legitimate possibility that it happens before the deadline.
While there are a number of conflicting reports floating around, it sounds like the Knicks would prefer get a point guard for Shumpert - but if the clock is winding down and nothing has materialized, they'll re-engage Denver and escalate talks.
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