But this is so far away and the way everything is going these guys don't have a plan like this on the bulletin board. No matter what they do this is how they should pay this draft.

but I want these jackasses to take the bull by the horns and trade for cap room for this off season and play these youth we have. Knicks are their own worse enemy

BRIGGS wrote:Obviously we will not be doing anything in the top 25-28 or so of the draft--thats ok. There is going 2 be a plethora of PGs that the Knicks will be able to acquire --really have a huge choice of PGs that if they feel fits their style--Im sure they can move in for one. That being said--even before the season started and from last year--Id like the Knicks to swipe Jordan Bahcinshki the 7-2 C from Arizona State--I feel he can replace Chandler TODAY and hes 8 years younger and would make 13+mm less. Id rather save my money and spend it on other positions. If the Knicks can spend their 3mm and grab Bachinski and really a PG of thier choice whether it be Smith Burton Napier et al I meam there are more than 10 of them a center and a PG signed for 3-4 years at an avg of 800k or so--that will help us in free agency in 2015. I see teams like Houston SA Okalhoma Portland using cheap younger players play with their core--I mean you have to you cant have 4 guys making 15mm it doesnt work and we have FAILED using older players using the vet minimum--we relied and failed on it. NO problem using it--but we can bring on 5 guys with the intent of getting 100 games out of them it doesnt work.

These are all excellent ideas. Agree with the overall philosophy -- bringing in some young, inexpensive talent to augment what's already here. I've been advocating that for the longest time...Agree that you can't have a team top-heavy with all high salary players....or too many old guys for that matter. It's gotta be a good mix --youth at a good price needs to be part of the equation...Also agree on Chandler. Was never a big fan, sorry to say. He's valuable to the right club I suppose, could even be valuable here in the right scenario, but this year on this particular team, he's not getting it done. The man just doesn't do enough out there -- doesn't score, doesn't even look at the basket in crunch time (that's gotta appear on the various Knick scouting reports out there now), very inconsistent on the glass/defensively and he's not providing the leadership this team desperately needs (I thought this was his main strength?). He's a glorified role player/support player providing very little support...Just can't have a guy making over $14mm that's invisible 80% of the time. Talks a real good game though.

My thing is with multiple ideas like this all at once -- we have very little assets as is, and even less come draft time. We have (and will have come draft time) a total of $3.2mm to use in a trade. I don't know if that's enough money to grab two picks for 2 difference makers like you're suggesting -- a C and PG. Maybe that's enough money to snag 1 pick in the late 20's to 45 range say. And I have my doubts about that to be honest. And then, will both these guys be there -- Jordan Bachynski and one of these PGs? The cat's out of the bag on this kid Bachynski btw -- I know that. He's no longer a secret. People know who he is and what he can do. He's shooting right up the charts -- looking at 1st round talent here, just a question of how high he'll go. What if by the time the draft rolls around, he's a top 20 player? $3.2mm alone isn't getting us a top 20 pick. No way..

Respectfully, I'd be looking to do it a little differently. I really want this kid Pierre Jackson. I'd be looking to entice New Orleans using the full $3.2mm plus whatever combination of B-level assets it might take (Murry, Tyler, Aldrich---3 guys that probably aren't even on the team anymore come draft time---if we're not going to really play these guys and then if the probability is high that none of these guys will be retained, why not use them in a deal right now to go after a guy like Jackson? And if none of this winds up being enough to get P-Jax (talk about the cat being out of the bag---who knows what this guys value is now--just dropped another 30 in the NBDL all-star game), I'd be willing to go the extra mile and work out a larger trade involving a Chandler for Tyreke Evans swap. Either way (esp. the latter---they want to unload Evans and I don't think there are many takers out there. This may be their best option to unload his contract. And then flip side -- Evans is still young and still has a lot of upside & talent. I feel he easily could live up to his contract in the right situation. Hard to think of a more favorable situation than NYC as Melo's right hand man armed with 30-35 mins a night and 18-20 shots a game) I feel like we have enough to work something out here. This whole idea of splitting up our cash allotment to score two picks high enough to yield two impact players feels very low chance, no? Just me but I feel like we might be better served using the money sooner than later, in scenarios that are higher probability. Tell me if I'm looking at this wrong -- maybe I am.

Everything else, I agree with -- continue to fill in with capable young players at low cost. There are several out there -- for the rest of the year, instead of this constant tunnel vision on the 8th seed, I'd much rather the Knicks focus on bringing in quite a few guys on 10 day contracts -- the DL has the best pool of this type of talent to draw from imo. Anyone catch the DL all-star game? There was a ton of very good talent on display. Very good players playing in this league -- already talked about P-Jax -- how 'bout other PG options like Seth Curry, Kalin Lucas, Dee Bost, maybe even BJ Young (more of a combo scorer than PG but he's talented/explosive); SFs like Devin Ebanks or Chris Wright (if Melo's retained and the plan is to continue using him at the 4, either of these two would look real nice next to him); PFs like Ike Diogu, Rich Howell (Philippines), Kevin Jones, Jarvis Varnado (a little goofy looking but he'd supply shot-blocking and rebounding---could be a higher impact Joel Anthony), Arinze Onuaku (toughness/rebounding); 2G options like Terrance Williams, KC Rivers, Othyus Jeffers, Patrick Christopher, Reggie Williams...A lot of good possibilities out there, man. Going this route and uncovering at least 1 rotation player (maybe more like 2 or 3) serves us no matter what kind of team we field next year; whether we keep Melo or not. Let's start auditioning.

CrushAlot wrote:I would add tiny gallon to the list of d league guys worthy of a look. He has lost some weight, has 7"4 wingspan and recently added the three ball to his aresenal on offense. Gallon was a mc Donald's all American and only played one year in college. The Knicks can't sign every prospect but they need to thorough on their evaluation of the talent available.

We need a legit C and PG. The pelicans want major compensation for Jackson and there is formidable comp for his services--we dont have those types of assets. Bachyinski hasnt been on mocks all year and projected around 50 I think it will take a pick around 27-35 to get him. I think some of the PG names weve heard here will also be gone in the 20-30's but if Russ Smith falls into the late 40 early 50's that should be target 2. Smith is the quickest Point guard in the draft and if we give up 350k or a future 2 to pick him up as well thats a steal--I know we are not getting [picks 31 and 33. But I do think we can buy and trade for 1 27-35 and one more after 45.

CrushAlot wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:I would add tiny gallon to the list of d league guys worthy of a look. He has lost some weight, has 7"4 wingspan and recently added the three ball to his aresenal on offense. Gallon was a mc Donald's all American and only played one year in college. The Knicks can't sign every prospect but they need to thorough on their evaluation of the talent available.

We need a legit C and PG. The pelicans want major compensation for Jackson and there is formidable comp for his services--we dont have those types of assets. Bachyinski hasnt been on mocks all year and projected around 50 I think it will take a pick around 27-35 to get him. I think some of the PG names weve heard here will also be gone in the 20-30's but if Russ Smith falls into the late 40 early 50's that should be target 2. Smith is the quickest Point guard in the draft and if we give up 350k or a future 2 to pick him up as well thats a steal--I know we are not getting [picks 31 and 33. But I do think we can buy and trade for 1 27-35 and one more after 45.

I have t heard anything about what the pelicans are asking. Everything I have read has been from the perspective that Jackson is too good to be in the d l and that he has permission for his agent to negotiate a deal. I haven't heard anything about terms on New Orleans end. They are smart to keep him and field offers. He is essentially a euro stash in the dleague. Maybe they wait and trade him for a first round pick on draft night.

Yeah, haven't heard anything either, neither specific teams that have interest or an asking price, and I've been following the situation closely. Whatever the Pel's plan is for this kid, they're keeping it close to the vest. What Andrew speculated the other day is probably true -- they know they have an asset that continues to gain in value and they're in no rush to do anything at the moment. They're gonna want to sell as high as possible, and that's good business...I know this though -- nothing happens until you pick up the phone and make calls, have dialogue and explore opportunities. If the Knicks were interested in this kid, or any other team for that matter, we would've heard something. Even from Jackson's camp attempting to put pressure on Demps....Thing is I feel we've been asleep at the wheel on this opportunity right from the get go...I don't even think we're interested. That's what I find most disturbing. I would've put together a proposal for Demps and co. WEEKS AGO regarding this dude. Now, who knows, I'm sure the price has gone up considerably. Still think we could be in the ballpark though, esp. if we expand the deal to include a Chandler for Evans swap. That would allow the Pels to unload a player they're disappointed in and save a lot of money. This may be our best opportunity -- who else is knocking their door down for Tyreke Evans? Again though, I think Evans could easily turn it around and resume a productive career. If we got him and got him back up to somewhere between his rookie year and last year in Sacramento where he was quite efficient/productive across the board, he'd be well worth the $10-11mm per... This expanded version gives us an even better chance I feel. I dunno man Chandler + a combination of a couple of additional assets (Murry, Tyler, Aldrich, Udrih, Shumpert, cash?) for an brand new young, dynamic backcourt in Evans/Jackson is a trade I make. Make this deal then focus on the C spot. Retain Cole Aldrich and sign 7' Marcus Cousin -- start there. We could do a lot worse....If we can't land Jordan Bachynski, I'm really not gonna lose any sleep over it to be honest. I mean we don't have a pick...Nice player, I think he'll be a good pro and I even think he's better than Chandler right now -- would love to add this kid, I just don't think cash alone gets us a pick high enough to get him. Hey, maybe I'm wrong but I just don't feel good about my chances of getting a starting C and PG out of this draft w/o any picks and armed with just cash and a maybe future 2nd round pick. Also, even if those opportunities were out there, I question whether we have a savvy enough GM to pull something like that off. I just don't know about holding onto the cash in the hopes of using it for something like that on draft night. If a guy like P-Jax was indeed available, I'd use the entire $3.2mm to get him if that's what it took. Every dime..

chewy wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:I would add tiny gallon to the list of d league guys worthy of a look. He has lost some weight, has 7"4 wingspan and recently added the three ball to his aresenal on offense. Gallon was a mc Donald's all American and only played one year in college. The Knicks can't sign every prospect but they need to thorough on their evaluation of the talent available.

We need a legit C and PG. The pelicans want major compensation for Jackson and there is formidable comp for his services--we dont have those types of assets. Bachyinski hasnt been on mocks all year and projected around 50 I think it will take a pick around 27-35 to get him. I think some of the PG names weve heard here will also be gone in the 20-30's but if Russ Smith falls into the late 40 early 50's that should be target 2. Smith is the quickest Point guard in the draft and if we give up 350k or a future 2 to pick him up as well thats a steal--I know we are not getting [picks 31 and 33. But I do think we can buy and trade for 1 27-35 and one more after 45.

I have t heard anything about what the pelicans are asking. Everything I have read has been from the perspective that Jackson is too good to be in the d l and that he has permission for his agent to negotiate a deal. I haven't heard anything about terms on New Orleans end. They are smart to keep him and field offers. He is essentially a euro stash in the dleague. Maybe they wait and trade him for a first round pick on draft night.

To get a 1st for Jackson it will be smart to display him on the NBA level first. Not getting a 1st playing against Dleague players.

Good point. Agreed.

earthmansurfer wrote:Unfortunately, Briggs is going to be right with his calls and management wrong with its move (note, I left the "s" out).
Hopefully Tyler continues to develop and that fills up the center slot. That makes Tyson expendable, my hope is we can
get a nice PG out of trading Chandler. I don't want to do it, but we have little to no flexibility.
More than likely, Melo is not going to want younguns being the hope of the team (for him to resign).

EMS

Hey man, if a couple of young promising building blocks are all we can provide at the moment -- do it. You do it not only to appease Melo on some small scale but also because it'll be beneficial no matter what direction the team goes in -- Melo or no Melo (I disagree btw -- imho, a few young guns that can actually play can do wonders to re-galvanize vets players that may have lost some of their mojo. Young players with promise = a brighter future. Remember how Melo felt about Josh Selby? He was gushing over that kid. That was his guy in the Shumpert draft, the guy he wanted...Plus Melo had a courtside seat for the NBDL all-star game this weekend -- you know quiet a few guys in that game must've opened his eyes and he probably got to know a few of them guys personally). Just my 2 cents..

Also, a little further on Pierre Jackson -- I doubt seriously that the price tag for this young man, if & when he gets traded, will be that high. It may seem that way now because his stock continues to climb but realistically how high can it really be? Higher than Kyle Lowry, the number #1 PG on the block out there, who's having a career year? At a minimum, Masai Ujiri will be looking for NBA-ready talent that equals Lowry's current salary ($6.2mm entering this season) + a 1st round pick...And you know what, that's pretty fair...I don't want the Knicks to give up the pick so I recommend passing (enough is a enough with the damn picks already, come on seriously), but that's a pretty fair asking price. How can Jackson's price tag be that high? Again, I like him a lot and the following is no big deal to me at all--I'm willing to assume the couple of risks involved--but for negotiation purposes on our end, there are certain risks here: he technically is undersized at only 5'10.5", never player an NBA game, etc. Plus, here's another thing -- Toronto doesn't have to trade Lowry. I'm not even sure it's in their best interest. That team is on top in the Atlantic, the only team over .500 in the division. Playoff bound. Why not build that team with Lowry? Why not re-sign him? He's still fairly young, entering his prime and competing at a high level. He's a HUGE reason they're over .500 and playing as well as they are. Now Demps doesn't have to trade Jackson either but it's a different situation -- they obviously got turned off by this kid somewhere along the way and are making him suffer now a little bit (and willing to suffer to some extent themselves - this is classic 'cut of their nose to spite their face' stuff going on here) -- maybe it's because he expressed his opinion early on that he didn't want to play there, that he wanted to go to France instead, etc. I'm not sure but there's something there. Come on, you've got an exciting talent like this and don't call him up when Holiday went down weeks ago? And then no callup since he's exploded even further? What use is keeping an asset around that ultimately can't/won't help you? If they really want to get rid of Tyreke Evans (and they appear serious about doing so) I'd be willing to take him on (more risks btw---he's had a disappointing year all around) in exchange for Chandler with the caveat that this kid Jackson be included in the deal. I'd also be willing to throw in whatever small sweeteners we currently have available to us in order to satisfy: money, Toure Murry, Jeremy Tyler (promising but he can be replaced--trust me), Cole Aldrich, Beno Udrih, etc...Who else out there is willing to offer up such a package -- millions in savings over a 2-3 year period, a semi-premier C in Tyson Chandler with the perception that he could be a real good mentor to a guy like Anthony Davis, maybe a 2nd YOUNG big with promise (Tyler/Aldrich), a fellow promising guard in Toure Murry (let's be fair, he's no P-Jax but this kid looked pretty good when Woody's used him), instant vet backcourt help in Beno Udrih at a great price (I think Udrih would be a nice piece there, even when Holiday returns)? Again, risks on our end involved with both incoming players but I feel like we should assume these risks and pursue this deal. How does our mgmt. feel about this? What are they doing? What are they prepared to do moving forward?

BRIGGS wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

earthmansurfer wrote:Unfortunately, Briggs is going to be right with his calls and management wrong with its move (note, I left the "s" out).
Hopefully Tyler continues to develop and that fills up the center slot. That makes Tyson expendable, my hope is we can
get a nice PG out of trading Chandler. I don't want to do it, but we have little to no flexibility.
More than likely, Melo is not going to want younguns being the hope of the team (for him to resign).

EMS

Hey man, if a couple of young promising building blocks are all we can provide at the moment -- do it. You do it not only to appease Melo on some small scale but also because it'll be beneficial no matter what direction the team goes in -- Melo or no Melo (I disagree btw -- imho, a few young guns that can actually play can do wonders to re-galvanize vets players that may have lost some of their mojo. Young players with promise = a brighter future. Remember how Melo felt about Josh Selby? He was gushing over that kid. That was his guy in the Shumpert draft, the guy he wanted...Plus Melo had a courtside seat for the NBDL all-star game this weekend -- you know quiet a few guys in that game must've opened his eyes and he probably got to know a few of them guys personally). Just my 2 cents..

Also, a little further on Pierre Jackson -- I doubt seriously that the price tag for this young man, if & when he gets traded, will be that high. It may seem that way now because his stock continues to climb but realistically how high can it really be? Higher than Kyle Lowry, the number #1 PG on the block out there, who's having a career year? At a minimum, Masai Ujiri will be looking for NBA-ready talent that equals Lowry's current salary ($6.2mm entering this season) + a 1st round pick...And you know what, that's pretty fair...I don't want the Knicks to give up the pick so I recommend passing (enough is a enough with the damn picks already, come on seriously), but that's a pretty fair asking price. How can Jackson's price tag be that high? Again, I like him a lot and the following is no big deal to me at all--I'm willing to assume the couple of risks involved--but for negotiation purposes on our end, there are certain risks here: he technically is undersized at only 5'10.5", never player an NBA game, etc. Plus, here's another thing -- Toronto doesn't have to trade Lowry. I'm not even sure it's in their best interest. That team is on top in the Atlantic, the only team over .500 in the division. Playoff bound. Why not build that team with Lowry? Why not re-sign him? He's still fairly young, entering his prime and competing at a high level. He's a HUGE reason they're over .500 and playing as well as they are. Now Demps doesn't have to trade Jackson either but it's a different situation -- they obviously got turned off by this kid somewhere along the way and are making him suffer now a little bit (and willing to suffer to some extent themselves - this is classic 'cut of their nose to spite their face' stuff going on here) -- maybe it's because he expressed his opinion early on that he didn't want to play there, that he wanted to go to France instead, etc. I'm not sure but there's something there. Come on, you've got an exciting talent like this and don't call him up when Holiday went down weeks ago? And then no callup since he's exploded even further? What use is keeping an asset around that ultimately can't/won't help you? If they really want to get rid of Tyreke Evans (and they appear serious about doing so) I'd be willing to take him on (more risks btw---he's had a disappointing year all around) in exchange for Chandler with the caveat that this kid Jackson be included in the deal. I'd also be willing to throw in whatever small sweeteners we currently have available to us in order to satisfy: money, Toure Murry, Jeremy Tyler (promising but he can be replaced--trust me), Cole Aldrich, Beno Udrih, etc...Who else out there is willing to offer up such a package -- millions in savings over a 2-3 year period, a semi-premier C in Tyson Chandler, maybe a 2nd YOUNG big with promise (Tyler/Aldrich), a fellow promising guard in Toure Murry (let's be fair, he's no P-Jax but this kid looked pretty good when Woody's used him), instant vet backcourt help in Beno Udrih at a great price? Again, risks on our end involved with both incoming players but I feel like we should assume these risks and pursue this deal. How does our mgmt. feel about this? What are they doing? What are they prepared to do moving forward?

Pierre Jackson was taken at 42 and he has increased his value. Asking for a lottery restricted 1 or a younger player playing another position would have to be the asking price. We have absolutely nothing they want other than 2018 # 1. We can however buy into a draft or use the 2018 to swap with a team who has multiple first rounders. There are a few players who could fall in this draft who could be considered much more desirable than Jackson--and the flood gate of PGs in this draft almost assures that a high quality guy will fall deep. I feel we can get a PG in this draft buying in after 45. My Hope* is we can get a center who can replace Chandler now--who can legitimately be a guy who can defend our paint and 7-2 250 who is doing 5 blocks a game against tier 1 competition 4 years playing career --has some nice offensive skills runs the floor only 24 rebounds listens and has helped carry a poor AST team to the field of 64--unless Kyle Andersen or TJ Warren fell---Id like Bachinksi for this team--we need to make sure we address 5 and see if we can open up that 14mm from Chandler.

There's a difference between asking price and what eventually gets agreed upon. Again, I don't see the eventual selling price being the same as what Toronto could potential net for Kyle Lowry. How could it be? I mean Chewy's right: this guy hasn't even played an NBA game yet. You would think that despite whatever the Pel's may feel about what Jax may have said about playing in New Orleans months ago, the prudent thing would be to call him up, esp. being down Jrue Holiday, and showcase him at the NBA level. That's how they drive the price up to a Kyle Lowry-type level. Curiously, they haven't done that and don't appear willing to do it.. Nobody's giving Demps that right now, at least I don't think so. No doubt he asks for that, but after the dust settles and reality sets in -- if they really want to move Evans and we agree to take him on (an aspect you're glossing over here (this could be the key to getting Jackson, a bold move that may slingshot us ahead of any other suitor), I feel we may have enough to get something done.

Your main position seems to be to dump Chandler off on someone for an expiring contract(s) (dump him off on who?), open up that money for FA next year (for who exactly?) & allocate the cash funds only for the draft in the hopes of getting 2 solid enough picks to get a starting C & PG---with no picks of our own going in. You brought up a deal to get Tyreke Evans a week or so ago and have pulled back off that -- meanwhile, I've warmed up to it, again though, with the caveat that Jackson be included in the deal. I feel like we can pull that off. You don't have to sell me on any of the players you're talking about in the draft -- I just don't know how realistic it is to say that we have a good chance to get two guys that can help us...with no picks of our own. Difference in opinion here -- no biggie.

BRIGGS wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

earthmansurfer wrote:Unfortunately, Briggs is going to be right with his calls and management wrong with its move (note, I left the "s" out).
Hopefully Tyler continues to develop and that fills up the center slot. That makes Tyson expendable, my hope is we can
get a nice PG out of trading Chandler. I don't want to do it, but we have little to no flexibility.
More than likely, Melo is not going to want younguns being the hope of the team (for him to resign).

EMS

Hey man, if a couple of young promising building blocks are all we can provide at the moment -- do it. You do it not only to appease Melo on some small scale but also because it'll be beneficial no matter what direction the team goes in -- Melo or no Melo (I disagree btw -- imho, a few young guns that can actually play can do wonders to re-galvanize vets players that may have lost some of their mojo. Young players with promise = a brighter future. Remember how Melo felt about Josh Selby? He was gushing over that kid. That was his guy in the Shumpert draft, the guy he wanted...Plus Melo had a courtside seat for the NBDL all-star game this weekend -- you know quiet a few guys in that game must've opened his eyes and he probably got to know a few of them guys personally). Just my 2 cents..

Also, a little further on Pierre Jackson -- I doubt seriously that the price tag for this young man, if & when he gets traded, will be that high. It may seem that way now because his stock continues to climb but realistically how high can it really be? Higher than Kyle Lowry, the number #1 PG on the block out there, who's having a career year? At a minimum, Masai Ujiri will be looking for NBA-ready talent that equals Lowry's current salary ($6.2mm entering this season) + a 1st round pick...And you know what, that's pretty fair...I don't want the Knicks to give up the pick so I recommend passing (enough is a enough with the damn picks already, come on seriously), but that's a pretty fair asking price. How can Jackson's price tag be that high? Again, I like him a lot and the following is no big deal to me at all--I'm willing to assume the couple of risks involved--but for negotiation purposes on our end, there are certain risks here: he technically is undersized at only 5'10.5", never player an NBA game, etc. Plus, here's another thing -- Toronto doesn't have to trade Lowry. I'm not even sure it's in their best interest. That team is on top in the Atlantic, the only team over .500 in the division. Playoff bound. Why not build that team with Lowry? Why not re-sign him? He's still fairly young, entering his prime and competing at a high level. He's a HUGE reason they're over .500 and playing as well as they are. Now Demps doesn't have to trade Jackson either but it's a different situation -- they obviously got turned off by this kid somewhere along the way and are making him suffer now a little bit (and willing to suffer to some extent themselves - this is classic 'cut of their nose to spite their face' stuff going on here) -- maybe it's because he expressed his opinion early on that he didn't want to play there, that he wanted to go to France instead, etc. I'm not sure but there's something there. Come on, you've got an exciting talent like this and don't call him up when Holiday went down weeks ago? And then no callup since he's exploded even further? What use is keeping an asset around that ultimately can't/won't help you? If they really want to get rid of Tyreke Evans (and they appear serious about doing so) I'd be willing to take him on (more risks btw---he's had a disappointing year all around) in exchange for Chandler with the caveat that this kid Jackson be included in the deal. I'd also be willing to throw in whatever small sweeteners we currently have available to us in order to satisfy: money, Toure Murry, Jeremy Tyler (promising but he can be replaced--trust me), Cole Aldrich, Beno Udrih, etc...Who else out there is willing to offer up such a package -- millions in savings over a 2-3 year period, a semi-premier C in Tyson Chandler, maybe a 2nd YOUNG big with promise (Tyler/Aldrich), a fellow promising guard in Toure Murry (let's be fair, he's no P-Jax but this kid looked pretty good when Woody's used him), instant vet backcourt help in Beno Udrih at a great price? Again, risks on our end involved with both incoming players but I feel like we should assume these risks and pursue this deal. How does our mgmt. feel about this? What are they doing? What are they prepared to do moving forward?

Pierre Jackson was taken at 42 and he has increased his value. Asking for a lottery restricted 1 or a younger player playing another position would have to be the asking price. We have absolutely nothing they want other than 2018 # 1. We can however buy into a draft or use the 2018 to swap with a team who has multiple first rounders. There are a few players who could fall in this draft who could be considered much more desirable than Jackson--and the flood gate of PGs in this draft almost assures that a high quality guy will fall deep. I feel we can get a PG in this draft buying in after 45. My Hope* is we can get a center who can replace Chandler now--who can legitimately be a guy who can defend our paint and 7-2 250 who is doing 5 blocks a game against tier 1 competition 4 years playing career --has some nice offensive skills runs the floor only 24 rebounds listens and has helped carry a poor AST team to the field of 64--unless Kyle Andersen or TJ Warren fell---Id like Bachinksi for this team--we need to make sure we address 5 and see if we can open up that 14mm from Chandler.

There's a difference between asking price and what eventually gets agreed upon. Again, I don't see the eventual selling price being the same as what Toronto could potential net for Kyle Lowry. How could it be? I mean Chewy's right: this guy hasn't even played an NBA game yet. You would think that despite whatever the Pel's may feel about what Jax may have said about playing in New Orleans months ago, the prudent thing would be to call him up, esp. being down Jrue Holiday, and showcase him at the NBA level. That's how they drive the price up to a Kyle Lowry-type level. Curiously, they haven't done that and don't appear willing to do it.. Nobody's giving Demps that right now, at least I don't think so. No doubt he asks for that, but after the dust settles and reality sets in -- if they really want to move Evans and we agree to take him on (an aspect you're glossing over here (this could be the key to getting Jackson, a bold move that may slingshot us ahead of any other suitor), I feel we may have enough to get something done.

Your main position seems to be to dump Chandler off on someone for an expiring contract(s) (dump him off on who?), open up that money for FA next year (for who exactly?) & allocate the cash funds only for the draft in the hopes of getting 2 solid enough picks to get a starting C & PG---with no picks of our own going in. You brought up a deal to get Tyreke Evans a week or so ago and have pulled back off that -- meanwhile, I've warmed up to it, again though, with the caveat that Jackson be included in the deal. I feel like we can pull that off. You don't have to sell me on any of the players you're talking about in the draft -- I just don't know how realistic it is to say that we have a good chance to get two guys that can help us...with no picks of our own. Difference in opinion here -- no biggie.

fine--if you were NO--why would you even trade Jackson? Unless someone blew me away--id keep him and try to get rid of one of my expensive back up PGs. What do I want from the Knicks? Ok give me Hardaway and Ill do it otherwise there is simply nothing that NO wants from us. Youre also right--we have no picks--but each year that happens and teams buy in--look at Miami last year---it may be a steal when all is said and done--they had 0 pick and walk away with James Ennis. So its much more realistic going into a draft with no picks and walking away with a player than trying to bid for the services of a player that Im sure many teams would like to have--including his own team?

Gotcha but you're missing one main point -- New Orleans and Jackson are no longer a match. Something has to give there -- the kid doesn't want to play there and they now appear to be disgusted with him as well. Look at all the elements to this situation from the beginning -- they trade for him on draft night, he goes though a summer league with them then speaks his mind about not wanting to play there, about the backcourt situation being too crowded, about wanting to go to France instead, etc. Then he bails on France last minute, opts for the DL instead (for the Idaho Stampede, the Pel's affiliate, where you figure fences would've been mended by now but weren't), never gets a call up because the team's still angry with him, and then weeks ago out of sheer frustration, the kid asks to seek a trade on his own behalf which was granted. I feel that despite blowing up the DL, this craziness stabilizes or caps his value somewhat. It also hampers Demps' leverage...Now you're right -- they don't have to trade him but I honestly have to question how high his value will continue to soar as he only feasts on DL competition (OK, been there done that -- you would think serious suitors would want to see more esp. if the asking price is indeed as high you're presuming) with no callup in sight to see what he can do at the NBA level.

Again, there are risks (double the amount of risk if Evans is involved) but I see opportunity here to instantly upgrade our backcourt. To me, with Evans and Jackson, the reward outweighs the risk. This doesn't seem pie-in-the-sky to me at all. It seems fairly realistic, esp. if we agree to take on Evans. I disagree that we don't have the pieces to get something done here.