Knicks Dealing at NBA Trade Deadline

Photo of Tracy McGrady by AP/David J. Phillip

The Knicks made a number of deals before the NBA trade deadline today, but none of them are about this season. Despite what Donnie Walsh may claim, the trade that brought the Knicks Tracy McGrady is not going to help the Knicks to get into the playoffs this year. The trade is all about clearing more cap space by deleting the contract of Jared Jeffries from next year’s payroll. With Jeffries’ salary off the books, the Knicks have a legitimate shot at landing two top-tier free agents in July.

But, they have paid a steep price to get that cap room. Jeffries was overpaid, but he was one of the few Knicks who played defense. In addition, they are trading Jordan Hill, their number one pick from the 2009 draft, and their 2012 first round pick. Additionally, Houston will have the right to swap 2011 first round picks with the Knicks. If they fail in their attempts to sign LeBron James, Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade, the Knicks have put themselves in terrible shape for the future.

The Knicks made other deals as well, sending Nate Robinson to Boston and Darko Milicic to Minnesota. The Milicic trade is really just a salary dump as it saves the Knicks $1.8 million this year. The Robinson trade has not been officially announced by the league, but is reportedly bringing Eddie House, J.R. Giddens and Billy Walker to New York. If true, then New York has radically revamped its roster today, trading five players away and getting back five.

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By Peter Trinkle in News on February 18, 2010 5:35 PM

Comments [rss]

Guest

as a celtics fan, i'm glad that boston has nate robinson now. :)

poopmast

well the knicks set themselves up for 2011 when Dwight Howard, Carmelo, and Chris Paul are free agents, dont let 2010's free agent take all the spotlight.

row

thank you! people are acting like all the eggs are in the 2010 basket and if that fails the Knicks will be screwed for decades. Donnie didn't get this far to give out max contracts to Raja Bell and Mikki Moore. if he can't land LeBron, Wade, or Bosh I think he waits until 2011. Maybe he signs Joe Johnson to keep things interesting before he can nab Melo or something.

MKenrich

While the initial attempt by Isiah to revamp the Knicks seemed promising, the plan fell dramatically short, and what remained were overpriced contracts for clunkers. Donnie Walsh did what he said he was going to do free up the cap and get rid of the junk. This is definitely a ballsy gamble on management's part to obtain 2 All Stars for next season, if it works welcome bandwagon fans, and if not they just have to trade up for a better pick if possible.

Rocko

I think nate is alil better than what the knicks give him credit for. He is definitly the only player who can take the ball to the basket. LEE is just concered with his stats (points rebounds) but certainly doesnt earn his $ on Dfence

nivek

Nate plays like an idiot; that's why he went to the Celtics. House is smarter about his plays.

Historian76

Lee would have to approve any trade since he has full Bird Rights. He never would have approved a trade, because he would have lost similar rights for next year.

nivek

He is shit on defense but he sure can score. He's like the poor man's Tim Duncan -- Tim Duncan with no D.

wac0202

Kojak, how it took you 10 games to figure that out is beyond me, everyone else knew before 1. And it's not about whether Tracy is cheap, it's about money for next year. I hate everything this franchise has done, but this was a huge step in the right direction. They can throw max money at Lebron PLUS one other FA, that's huge.

Little sad to see Nate go, but other than that....

The Lord

I don't know but I gave the Knicks the benefit of the doubt and actually went to a few of their games. Nate wanted to get traded since they werent giving him enough playing time.

But the biggest obstacle is the Knicks management. If a team makes profit from merchandise, TV, and ticket sales, they have no incentive to have their Team improve, especially during a recession. Its insane that the Knicks command the highest ticket prices, especially with their record.

row

How about the incentive being MORE profit from merchandise, TV, and ticket sales? I really really doubt a company like MSG is going to be happy with whatever they are making now considering they could triple it with the signing of LeBron.

verbal

Once again the Knicks have embarrassed themselves, and this city. According to this post they very well may have no viable first round picks in '10, '11, and '12!

There is no way Lebron comes to NY, unless it's to the NY Nets of Brooklyn and Jay Z. The Dolans are a cancer and the NBA should force them to sell the franchise.

nivek

MSG was spun off about a week ago. Dolan no longer has control over MSG.

nivek

Actually--strike that, he still does, but I think he wanted to stay out of it.

Kojak

I knew this season was a loss after the 10th game, but its good we're making some drastic changes.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries.htm

Tracy aint cheap! And the Knicks do have some wiggle room for LJ.