[h3]
No fireworks yet[/h3]
Suddenly got quiet on the Knick front. The team
doesn't expect to know of Jason Kidd's decision until after the holiday weekend. The deals are there to mull -- 3x$24M from DAL and 3x$18M from the Knicks -- and Kidd has to decide whether it's about the loot or the location.
It is unclear if the Dallas deal has the third year guaranteed. The Knicks, from what I'm told, most certainly is. The third year isn't the issue for Donnie Walsh, it's the second year (2010-11). But if Kidd accepts, then you can be sure the next step will be to find a way to move Jared Jeffries' $6.8M salary off the 2010-11 payroll.
A quick note here: the Knicks don't want to move Jeffries. In fact, the coaching staff is very high on him as a player and a person.
If Kidd doesn't take the New York challenge, don't immediately think Ramon Sessions is the next target. Sure, the Knicks would love to have him, but they haven't been in touch with his agent yet. Why? Because the Bucks have made it crystal clear with their moves that they plan to match any offer for Sessions. It is likely a futile exercise.
Andre Miller and Mike Bibby would get calls, but let's be honest, if the Kidd scenario falls through it might be better to stick with Chris Duhon for the season with Toney Douglas as the third guard and see what happens with Steve Nash next summer. Nash, who has a $13M team option the Suns will pick up in August ($8M of it is guaranteed, according to the Arizona Republic, so you know they're picking it up), won't sign an extension if he's not happy with the direction of the franchise.
Like Kidd, Nash may be just using the Knicks as leverage. But if you're the Knicks, you stay in the game just in case. Nash just keeps talking about the Knicks and basically said to the
Globe & Mail that if it's time to move on from Phoenix, the Knicks are his first choice:
But the Victoria, B.C. native, who is heading into the final year of a contract that will pay him $13.1 million U.S. in 2009-10, acknowledged that if the sides can't reach a consensus, "than a trade would always be a possibility." And if that's the case, the point guard said he would like to play in New York, where his family spends its summers.
"I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that's what I'm focusing on right now," Nash said. "But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D'Antoni was one of my favourite coaches. If it didn't work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I'd consider."
* * *
As for the restricteds...still haven't heard that the Knicks have made any formal offers to either. Parameters have been discussed but right now the agents for both players are playing the market. Remember, any offer sheets can be matched by the Knicks.
The report from Toronto about the Raptors having an interest in acquiring David Lee is accurate, but moot. I checked in with Toronto and was told Chris Bosh would not be part of any trade conversations and the reply I got from the Knicks end was that there wasn't much interest in any other player on that roster to even begin discussing a deal for Lee.
I'll maintain belief that David remains a Knick. My guess? 5x$40M, with an opt-out after the third year. If the Knicks get him for less it's a bargain.
Now that the Lakers have Ron Artest -- the Lamar Odom thing still has to be addressed -- is it time for Mitch Kupchak to look into upgrading his backup guard position? Nate Robinson would be a good fit there for many reasons, starting with the fact that he would be a major upgrade over Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. Now . . . the issue is the Lakers don't have many options that fit the Knicks. Sasha Vujacic would work, but his contract extends into 2010-11. Would the Knicks take Adam Morrison's expiring deal? Nah.
Then again, those numbers might be too high for Robinson. A package of Farmar and Brown (about $3M), who both have expiring contracts, may be the better play. But then you are really log-jamming the backcourt with players. Remember, you still have Chris Duhon and also rookie Toney Douglas, on top of Morris Almond, who is likely to get a training camp invite.
But there is a belief that the Knicks will re-visit the Sacramento Kings scenario from the trade deadline. The Kings acquired Sergio Rodriguez from Portland before the draft so there could be something there with Robinson and Jeffries going to Sacto for, say, Rodriguez (RFA next summer) and Kenny Thomas' expiring contract in return. Just speculatin.
Enjoy the 4th. Be safe.
