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Knicks expect to be active at deadline despite no market for Bargnani, Calderon

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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In the least shocking news of trade deadline week - or any week - the New York Knicks haven't found much of a trade market for Andrea Bargnani.

As it turns out, teams aren't eager to surrender assets for a player who's scored just 24 points in the last calendar year and makes $11.5 million. It was worth putting his name out there, considering the Knicks surrendered a first-round pick and two second-round picks to acquire him in July 2013, but it never seemed likely they would find a taker.

It seemed more plausible they could find a home for Jose Calderon, who's a useful and well-liked player, but president Phil Jackson said Wednesday there hasn't been a lot of interest in the Spaniard, likely because Calderon has two more years on his deal beyond this season, with salaries of $7.4 million and $7.7 million.

Calderon is averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 assists in 39 games, posting his customarily ridiculous shooting percentages, with a 43.6 percent mark from outside and a 96.3 percent mark at the free throw line. Even for a good backup point guard who can spot in as a starter, the salary owed to him is a hefty price tag.

Despite the lack of interest in the two players, the Knicks still expect to be busy at the deadline, saying the team will be open minded. New York has four trade exceptions to play with that could conceivably allow them to take on salary if it can bring an asset with it.

The big push for the Knicks could be to get under the luxury tax line, a mark they're now just $2.9 million over. They're a bit bereft of assets to deal - they don't have a second round pick until 2019 - but the Knicks may be able to find a taker for Jason Smith ($3.3 million) or even Bargnani (hello, Philadelphia 76ers). 

The Knicks may also consider calling up Thanasis Antetokounmpo, one of their second-round picks this year, from the D-League. The older brother of Milwaukee Bucks sophomore Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis is averaging 14.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in his second season in the feeder system.

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