Knicks Trade Balkman to Dump His Not-So-High Salary

Renaldo Balkman, a much-ridiculed Isiah Thomas 2006 draft pick who turned into something of a fan favorite, won't be wearing the blue and orange of the Knicks next season. He got sent to Denver for Taurean Green, Bobby Jones (who?) and a 2010 second-round draft pick. This move is purely a salary dump for the Knicks, who stand to gain $2 million if the luxury tax is included. The team may not even include Green and Jones on its roster, which is currently bloated. The best part of this deal: Thomas apologists defended the pick of Balkman in the first round by saying Phoenix, then coached by current Knicks head man Mike D'Antoni, would have nabbed the South Carolina product with its pick if New York had tried to wait until the second round. Guess not.

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By Tom Boorstein in News on July 29, 2008 3:26 PM

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Jack_in_Phoenix

Speaking of Mike D'Antoni, I'm pissed that the dope who owns the Suns let Steve Kerr run him off.

Mike was the best coach we've had in the 40 years I've been getting my heart broken by the Suns - with the possible exception of Cotton Fitzsimmons.

You guys in NY will LOVE the style that Mike's teams play. It would be really cool to be a Knick right now. Basketball will be fun for them again.

robdesign13

He was a player who always hustled, fought for the loose ball, defended well (especially carmello!) and finished around the rim. Crowd favorite for his thunderous dunks and leaps into the stands. He will be missed by NYs truest.