Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports the Knicks have not ended their pursuit of disgruntled Trail Blazers shooting guard Rudy Fernandez. Portland recently rejected the Knicks' offer of two future second-round picks, plus either Landry Fields or Andy Rautins, but boss Donnie Walsh is eager to improve his team's guard rotation, especially given Wilson Chandler's questionable "conditioning." The three-year veteran had two surgeries this summer, so he's understandably behind the rest of his teammates in that respect.
New York's next move is to wait, really, in order to evaluate Chandler's progress. If they're dissatisfied, a trade could be in the works:
Chandler's name comes up regularly in trade discussions, and Portland is divided on whether it would accept him in a deal for Fernandez. The Blazers would be more willing to swap Fernandez for a first-round pick and a player, possibly reserve guard Bill Walker.
Boosting the wing positions has to be a priority for the Knicks. Their best shooting guard, Kelenna Azubuike, may not be ready for the start of the season as he recovers from a torn patella tendon suffered last year. Their other options include Chandler; veteran free-agent Roger Mason; and the rookies Rautins and Fields.