Mike Woodson could be fired before trade deadline, according to report

The rumors around New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson are heating up again following the Knicks' latest debacle, and the embattled Woodson could find himself out of a job before the Feb. 20 trade deadline, according to Steve Popper of The Record.

Perhaps the biggest issue of contention has been Woodson's insistence on playing bigger lineups instead of the smaller units featuring Carmelo Anthony at the 4 which were so successful last season. Woodson finally committed to that strategy after Andrea Bargnani injured his elbow a few weeks ago, and for a brief stretch, the Knicks looked like the Knicks of 2012-13.

But things have gone back the other way in the past two games. After losing to the Miami Heat to close out a 4-4 homestand, New York went on the road and lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks allowed 101 points and 11 three-pointers to the Bucks, who have the worst offense and worst record in the NBA. New York has consistently had problems defending the three all year, a likely product of all the switching and poor rotations.

Earlier in the year, most of the Knicks players remained supportive of Woodson. However, that support has been dwindling as the losses have piled up. Tyson Chandler recently lamented the defensive switching strategy, and Amar'e Stoudemire expressed frustration about his playing time on Tuesday.

The Knicks still remain just two games behind the Charlotte Bobcats for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but the schedule is about to stiffen up. If more embarrassing losses like the one to the Bucks follow in the coming days, it might finally be sayonara for Woodson.