The New York Knicks reportedly have no desire to trade Tyson Chandler. Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, meanwhile, denied reports indicating he may become the Knicks' new coach next season.
An ESPN report from December suggested the Knicks would be willing to trade Chandler if a team picked up the contract of J.R. Smith, too. Although teams continue to gauge New York's interest in trading their All-Star center, ESPN's Marc Stein says the Knicks - contrary to the previous ESPN report - aren't planning to deal Chandler.
"The Knicks continue to get calls for center Tyson Chandler and, according to sources close to the situation, continue to scoff at every one," Stein wrote on Saturday. "New York, to this point, has no interest in parting with its defensive anchor."
Another ESPN from December - this one regarding Thibodeau going to the Knicks - was also dismissed. Thibodeau was rumored to have "friction" with the Bulls' front office, and NBA coaching insiders told ESPN to keep an eye on a Thibodeau-to-Knicks deal over the summer.
Thibodeau denied any connection between himself and the Knicks, according to the Chicago Tribune.
"That stuff is ridiculous," Thibodeau told The Tribune on Saturday. "First I was being traded. ... I couldn't care less about that stuff. I love the fighting spirit of this team. That's all I'm thinking about."
New York (14-22) is on a four-game winning streak for the first time this season. While the team appears to be getting into a rhythm on the court, the Knicks could look to bolster their backcourt depth by acquiring Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller.
"The Knicks are now said to want to work their way into the bidding for Denver's very available Andre Miller, but the same problem that doomed New York in the (Kyle) Lowry chase a month ago - limited assets to offer - doesn't bring much hope," Stein wrote on Saturday.
New York hosts the Phoenix Suns on Monday.