Knicks News and Rumors: Phil Jackson Reportedly Exploring Trade Options for Raymond Felton
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson will reportedly look to trade Raymond Felton this summer, and the veteran point guard was already informed about the plan.
According to SNY's Adam Zagoria, Jackson informed Felton about his decision during the exit meetings last month -- a decision that did not surprise most NBA analysts.
Felton, who still has two years remaining in his four-year, $15 million contract with the Knicks, was a huge disappointment for the Knicks on and off the court last season.
The 29-year-old point guard had the worst season of his career as he averaged a career-low 9.7 points on 39.5 percent shooting from the field, while only dishing out 5.6 assists.
Felton, who missed 17 games because of various injuries last season, was also a defensive liability for the Knicks this season, allowing opposing point guards to average 22.7 points per game.
The nine-year veteran also disappointed team executives when he was issued two felony gun charges in February as he was caught with an FN model 5.7x28 millimeter caliber semiautomatic pistol with around 18 rounds of ammunition.
According to ESPN, Felton is scheduled to appear in court on June 2, and the league might suspend the former North Carolina standout after the legal proceedings.
Sources also indicated that the Knicks will look to void Felton's contract, citing morals clause violations, but it is unlikely to be approved as it is expected to be challenged by the player's association.
Felton's on and off-court issues are expected to give the Jackson and the Knicks a hard time looking for a trade partner, and it is still unknown at this point what Jackson will be looking for in a potential trade.
Jackson is reportedly interested in acquiring Steve Blake, which is also one of the possible reasons why he is looking to part ways with Felton.
Blake, who averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors this season, played under Jackson in LA during the 2010-11 NBA season.