The New York Knicks are shopping veterans Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani as part of their roster clear-out, but haven’t found any takers yet.
Calderon, 33, was acquired in the offseason in the trade that sent Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks. But the veteran has struggled, and also has two years and $15.1 million left on his contract after this season. The Knicks don’t want that burden and are hoping to move him by the February 19 trade deadline, reported ESPN.
Sources said Bargnani, the former No. 1 overall pick, will be waived next month if New York can’t find a deal for his expiring $11.5 million contract.
Bargnani has been injured most of the season, playing just 22 minutes so far. Even though he played more last season, he didn’t produce much, meaning the team probably could not net much for him.
The Knicks got two trade exceptions in the recent deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, worth about $6 million and $2.5 million, which could help facilitate deals.
On the other hand, sources stressed to ESPN that Amare Stoudemire could be part of the Knicks future and is not being shopped.
Stoudemire, 32, is playing the final year of his contract, earning $23.4 million.
If the Knicks re-signed him, they would pay him significantly less. He would likely come off the bench in an ideal situation, helping mentor younger players.
