The New York Knicks have been wanting to make a trade to bolster their lineup and add some star power to convince Carmelo Anthony that the team wants to win now. It’s a steep price, but the Knicks seem to be willing to part with Iman Shumpert to land Darren Collison from the Los Angeles Clippers, but the rabbit hole goes deeper.
According to Marc Stein from ESPN.com, the Knicks don’t want to trade Shumpert unless they’re getting a first-round pick back or Raymond Felton is included. The Clippers don’t want to take on Felton in the trade but Stein states that middle ground may have been found thanks to Matt Barnes.
Which would suggest Knicks & Clips getting closer to THEIR deal now that Matt Barnes expected to take Reggie Bullock's place in final form
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
Clips do NOT want to take back RFelton's contract w/Shumpert for DCollison. But inserting Matt Barnes instead of Bullock softens hit for LAC
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
As we reported earlier today: Knicks telling teams they will NOT part with Shumpert unless you furnish a first-rounder or take back Felton
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
The Clippers and Knicks still may not make this trade, but it’s clearly being openly discussed and the clock ticking in the background may mean this deal picks up steam as we head into the overnight hours.