1- Trading our 2 future #1's with Calderon, Tim Hardaway JR, and Early for about 10m extra in cap space to utilize this summer, if we are able to move Hardaway and Early without giving up much assets, maybe we do not have to give up 2 #1's for Calderon. Which would give us about 40m to spend this summer
Though would only do this IF we had guaranteed talents that would sign with us, and if we do give up 2 1st rounders along with those contracts without taking back any bad contracts, and get some early/mid 2nd rounders in the process

2- Resigning Cole Aldrich with early bird rights, with his limited cap hold, for a 2year deal with only 1st year guaranteed/maybe partial, about 4-5m in year 1, then waiving him right away, so we would have the FULL MLE for about 6m instead of just the LLE at 2.7m or so, I see no reason why Cole Aldrich couldn't agree to such a deal as it would be FREE MONEY, think this could be done with Acey as well as their cap holds are low

3- Purchasing 2nd rounders with whatever we have left to utilize, not sure how much we used of that 3m available starting from last summer to now, and when it ressets later in July when we have another 3m to use..
With another 3m to use it could be agreed upon on draft night but executed later, not sure would this be a violation of the NBA rules though
We could also possibly trade Shved, Tim Hardaway JR, and Early for 2nd rounders, maybe even late 1st rounders for teams that want to save money for FA
Like for Shved, I could see Clippers being interested in a backup PG/SG like Shved and they own Bklyn's 2016 2nd rounder or even Tim Hardaway JR
Could see SA Spurs having interest in Shved with Parker's age along with Tim Hardaway JR as cheaper option than Danny Green if they sign LA and/or Marc Gasol, they could look to dump Splitter to a team for his 2year 8m per year contract, and using 1st rounders in the process

4- Consider Poison Pills, for players such as Mike Muscula and maybe Jae Crowder, doesn't have to be the Jeremy Lin type, could be like a Laundry Fields like contract

5- So basically if we were able to do the above, we could also possibly trade Shved to a team like Spur's *have 1st rounders or multiple 2nd rounders* and Clippers *own BKLYN's 2nd rounder next year* with their need of a backup G

we would have about 40m in cap space
6m MLE
#4th overall pick and possibly some 2nd rounders
CA

D League Callups
Thanasis
Orlando Sanchez

Reagardless, we need to add some quality trainers, development coaches, assistant coaches, posted in the other thread

http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topic.asp?t=51201

My TOP 3 quality MUST ADDs from the D League and there are other's that depend on how we fill out our roster as well
But these 3 can ALL SHOOT and fit in no matter who we add this off season

1- Jerrelle Benimon SF, SF/PF, strech 4, maybe a Lamor Odom type player as a triple double threat
2- Jarell Eddie, G/F, a Danny Green type talent on shooting
3- Scotty Hopson, G/F, another G/F that can shoot and score/penetrate/facilitate, decent versatile game as well

these guys could shoot especially for Jarrell Eddie *probably the best SHOOTER in the D League at SG* and Scotty Hopson *could also penetrate handle the ball/facilitate, while Benimon is quite skilled for his size and was a triple double threat in the D League as a SF/PF like Odom, especially if we draft Mudiay to play PG to allow him to penetrate/facilitate

http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topic.asp?t=51180

International older Center as a smaller Yao Ming that has said he wanted to goto the NBA recently but has a higher chance going to a team with no STATE TAX at a multiyear deal at 2-3m with about 20m-25mins as a rotational Center

Boban Marjanovic

The list of D League and possible LATE to undrafted players from my other post
Once Brigg's favorites and on the bench, can not go wrong if it was for an unguaranteed contract

1- Thabeet *really improved much and would be a great pickup as a backup*

2- Jared Cunningham combo guard *really improved his 3pt shot and looks to be a poor mans young Monta ELlis*
3- Nate Walters *sniper at G off the bench, depending on how our roster fills out*

Eddie Griffen/Khem Birch, as stetch 4's
CJ Fair *Josh Howard comparison*
Willie Reed *poor mans Greg Monroe*
some PG's like
Aaron Craft, Tim Frazier, Darrius Morris, Tourre Murry

Older Vets

1- Jermaine Oneil, especially if we can find a way to draft Bobby Portis who has a similiar built and skills to mentor him
2- McGee still young and has great athleticism/length/size and could protect the paint and COST NOTHING
3- Andray Blatche can hit the 17footer and score 1v1 in the post, likely cost at least 2-3m though and would "fit" in this system with his skills
4- trade for James Johnson which didn't get any PT down the stretch and will be in the final year of his contract at 2.5m in Toronto to defend the stretch 4 that are BIG SF's like Lebron/Durant/George/Jabari Parker, we simply want a player that would allow CA to not match up vs those type of SF/PF's
5- for vet min, take a chance on high flyer, Jeremy Evans, who has great length/athleticism and like DeMarre Carroll didn't get much of a chance to play in Utah

1- the former #1 pick in Wiggons
2- another 1st rounder which they opted to get Bennett *another #1 overall pick*
3- 1st rounder that they opted to acquire Thad Young instead but also dumping Luc Mboute to Philly

It will take something similiar if not greater to acquire Cousins vs Love
I don't think The King's would consider trading Cousins to us, however, would consider trading it with a combination of other future draft picks with OK4/Towns
But if we could trade Calderon, Tim Hardaway JR, our #4 overall pick, 2 future 1st rounders *unprotected*, giving them picks #4 and #6 to build around in addition to the 2 other 1st rounders in 2018 and 2020
It is unlikely for us as Cousin's contract is locked in for a couple more seasons, which he likely will walk out if they still suck, but still have a couple seasons to do so

We could use the 150% rule for Cousins or use fill ins with Acey if needed

It would be starphuqing, however,
We would still have over 25m to spend in FA and acquire Cousins
And could still have the LLE at about 2.7m or we can resign Cole Aldrich or even Acey with their low cap holds, then waive them to save roster spots, and have the full MLE, about 6m, to use vs the LLE
For the extra 3m to spend, we would need to spend an extra 4-5m, maybe less with Aldrich getting FREE MONEY like having a 2year deal about 5.5m with 2.5m guaranteed in first year and then waived, with 2nd year unguaranteed

Wonder if we can trade our #4 pick and Calderon for Giannes instead, keeping our 2 future #1 picks, however, Cousin's price would be something like that if that is what some would rather have

we as knicks fans need to realistic and patient

1. were not going to be very good next yr or the next - im ok with that. takes time to build a solid foundation. i dont care what melo wants, if he wanted to win he shouldnt have stayed in ny during a rebuilding process

2. keep the draft pick man! #4 can be very very good.if we trade down i would need to get a d.cousins type of talent in return

3. making all these transitions for cap space to woo free agents that might not even come here. weve done that dance before. phil is here for acquiring free agents and i hope that works. in the meantime, we must assume to that talented players want to play on talented teams. (thats why i cant picture carroll chasing the money for the knicks). the knicks are like the raiders - a former great franchise that is now a laughing stock. players will come here to rejuvenate their careers but players in their prime WONT come to a rebuilding team (nor should they)

4. in regards to DLeague talent - im on record of saying the d league disgusts me. they dont play defense so numbers are inflated. i do know CJ fair, cunningham and a few others - um theyre simply not good. I do think KBirch could be good in the right place.

5 i dont mind older vets as long as theyre cost the mini. blatche is talented sure why not

Overall - i think fans need to be patient. i realistically dont expect the knicks to be competitive until Melo is either off the team or in a diminished role. I think we should focus on acquiring building blocks (aka role players) and then hope someday we get a star. Ive started listing some random free agents to pursue (with strengths and weaknesses). Ill continue to do so. I just dont think we should do much to make room for free agents - mainly because i dont think they will come here

callmened wrote:RonRon - youre a "MustRead" OP; whenever you post something because i always appreciate your insights. but dude i gotta respectfully disagree. sigh...when i saw "trade draft picks", "poison pills" and "resign cole" in the same sentence as "best team possible" ...i threw my hands up

we as knicks fans need to realistic and patient

1. were not going to be very good next yr or the next - im ok with that. takes time to build a solid foundation. i dont care what melo wants, if he wanted to win he shouldnt have stayed in ny during a rebuilding process

2. keep the draft pick man! #4 can be very very good.if we trade down i would need to get a d.cousins type of talent in return

3. making all these transitions for cap space to woo free agents that might not even come here. weve done that dance before. phil is here for acquiring free agents and i hope that works. in the meantime, we must assume to that talented players want to play on talented teams. (thats why i cant picture carroll chasing the money for the knicks). the knicks are like the raiders - a former great franchise that is now a laughing stock. players will come here to rejuvenate their careers but players in their prime WONT come to a rebuilding team (nor should they)

4. in regards to DLeague talent - im on record of saying the d league disgusts me. they dont play defense so numbers are inflated. i do know CJ fair, cunningham and a few others - um theyre simply not good. I do think KBirch could be good in the right place.

5 i dont mind older vets as long as theyre cost the mini. blatche is talented sure why not

Overall - i think fans need to be patient. i realistically dont expect the knicks to be competitive until Melo is either off the team or in a diminished role. I think we should focus on acquiring building blocks (aka role players) and then hope someday we get a star. Ive started listing some random free agents to pursue (with strengths and weaknesses). Ill continue to do so. I just dont think we should do much to make room for free agents - mainly because i dont think they will come here

There we go. Someone talkin sense. Agree completely.

callmened wrote:RonRon - youre a "MustRead" OP; whenever you post something because i always appreciate your insights. but dude i gotta respectfully disagree. sigh...when i saw "trade draft picks", "poison pills" and "resign cole" in the same sentence as "best team possible" ...i threw my hands up

we as knicks fans need to realistic and patient

1. were not going to be very good next yr or the next - im ok with that. takes time to build a solid foundation. i dont care what melo wants, if he wanted to win he shouldnt have stayed in ny during a rebuilding process

2. keep the draft pick man! #4 can be very very good.if we trade down i would need to get a d.cousins type of talent in return

3. making all these transitions for cap space to woo free agents that might not even come here. weve done that dance before. phil is here for acquiring free agents and i hope that works. in the meantime, we must assume to that talented players want to play on talented teams. (thats why i cant picture carroll chasing the money for the knicks). the knicks are like the raiders - a former great franchise that is now a laughing stock. players will come here to rejuvenate their careers but players in their prime WONT come to a rebuilding team (nor should they)

4. in regards to DLeague talent - im on record of saying the d league disgusts me. they dont play defense so numbers are inflated. i do know CJ fair, cunningham and a few others - um theyre simply not good. I do think KBirch could be good in the right place.

5 i dont mind older vets as long as theyre cost the mini. blatche is talented sure why not

Overall - i think fans need to be patient. i realistically dont expect the knicks to be competitive until Melo is either off the team or in a diminished role. I think we should focus on acquiring building blocks (aka role players) and then hope someday we get a star. Ive started listing some random free agents to pursue (with strengths and weaknesses). Ill continue to do so. I just dont think we should do much to make room for free agents - mainly because i dont think they will come here

It is not easy to build a team with CA's contract and his weakness's, we will see if he will attract any FA's over this summer along with Phil Jackson
I have said Phil Jackson and Fisher are both MORONS, they didn't have to fully execute on the Triangle when we clearly didn't have the pieces to execute the system
We could have played with a system, more PnR BBALL, and look to build the trade value of players of Iman/JR Smith for trade value
In which NixLuvu said I knew nothing about The Triangle and blah blah blah
Why should we work so hard in making players learn a system that we knew would not be part of our future moving forward?
Rather than putting in a system and running philosophies of it like Kerr has done instead?

1- resigning Cole Aldrich because it allows us to have the FULL MLE 6m vs the 2.7m LLE, it is a loophole for the MLE, and even said that we could make it a partial guarantee like 2- 2.5m guaranteed out of 5.5m on first year only
IT IS FREE MONEY FOR COLE ALDRICH, NO TEAM is going to pick up his 5.5m contract on the waivers, so it Cole ALdrich will agree to such a move, as it will also give us a extra 3m+ to use to rebuild our team this summer as Phil Jackson promised CA he would do....

2- I agree we should keep the draft pick, however, with these posters talking about Cousins, they must realize what it would cost and I am using Kevin Love and the swap of Wiggons/another 1st rounder as an example
We could look to free up 10m of cap space by getting rid of Calderon, Tim Hardaway, and Early, at which would cost us at least more than 1 future draft pick
However, if we do use our #4 pick, I would be expecting a combination of talents back or draft picks as well, something like Giannes and possibly other picks with NO OTHER SALRIES, for #4 and Calderon
As for Cousins, it likely will cost us the #4 over pick and more than 1 future 1st rounder and to dump Calderon's contract, another 1st rounder, which isn't that bad IF WE WERE ABLE to sign a PF like LA with still a 6m MLE and about 3m to work with

3- there are D League talents every year and while we need ALL STARS to win, they take up much of the cap, I picked out the better options and provide highlights within the link
I am sure you already know that a lot of good players have come up from the D League in recent years
At least watch the videos of the players I highlighted in which is in the link provided, there are others in which you could put the name in youtube to look

4- Every FA you brought up, was brought at up one time or another with other posters and me in recent past month ..

5- I don't know if CA is part of the future and everytime anyone suggests a trade for CA, you simply believe it will not happen
However, at the same time you do not believe we can build around him either...
So it doesn't matter what anyone says, you will point of the negatives of it
No TOP TIER FA's will be coming to New York next summer, while Lakers will possibly be signing 3 MAX tier talents in addition to the pieces they already have
On top of competing with winning teams already, upcoming teams with young players and a decent core, and the teams with multiple picks to use in trades and have cap space, we are competing versus all of them

6- what kind of ALL STAR do you want to sign with the vet min?
I suggest realistic targets that are attainable in D League, Europe, UDFA's, late 2nd rounders, and vet min type players
Wesley Johnson is not signing a vet min contract and I have said he would helped the development of Thanasis because they have similiar builds, strengths, and weakness's that could play together on the floor together

Koustous Pap, would be a salary dump if CA is traded to Houston along with Corey Brewer

KJ McDaniels would cost more than the vet min on the Knick's, while teams without STATE tax, especially Houston, has a chance to sign him for vet min because they will then own his early bird rights
Though he likely will be looking for something more
However, in any case,

It is easy to scrutinize every move any poster suggests as you have already learned from making up a team with a roster with Jimmy Butler and substiting him with Tobias Harris
And your numbers do not add up and have salaries that are unlikely to sign for 3m in your "fix" for the NYK's

With just under 40m in cap space, the #4 pick, likely some 2nd rounders, and in addition to an full MLE, that is about as competitive that we could get
Remember, it was Phil's Jackson plan with CA taking a "paycut" for this summer to acquire FA's
We likely will suck another year and TOP TIER FA's will not consider us in 2017, unless we are able to show we are competitive this coming year and probably will need to sign much talent as well

callmened wrote:no its tough and please dont take my criticism personal. i dont know how to fix this mess either. lol. i was just being in my response. not bashing at all. again, i respect your posts and always look forward to reading them

I understand, you asked for me to come up with a possible scenario and I did
Realizing you will do nothing but point at the negatives, I did it anyway,
There is no perfect "fix"
Let me ask you do come up with a FIX and I will do what you do with my suggestions...

callmened wrote:

RonRon wrote:

callmened wrote:no its tough and please dont take my criticism personal. i dont know how to fix this mess either. lol. i was just being in my response. not bashing at all. again, i respect your posts and always look forward to reading them

I understand, you asked for me to come up with a possible scenario and I did
Realizing you will do nothing but point at the negatives, I did it anyway,
There is no perfect "fix"
Let me ask you do come up with a FIX and I will do what you do with my suggestions...

gotcha! i think ive praised your suggestions/posts before. but if i come off as too negative then i apologize.

yeah i think i posted it else where but ill post it again. & please feel free to rip into it. i dont claim to know all the answers.

PG Mudiay (draft)
SG Green (6 mill)
SF Melo
PF Monroe (15mill)
C Ajinca (4 mill)

Bench
PG Shved
SG Hardaway
SF Early
PF Lavoy Allen (2mill)
C Bynum/Blatche (mini vet)

Scrubs/Deep Bench
PG Calderon (or pay him off)
SG Galloway
SF Thanasis
PF Lance Thomas (2 mill)
C Aldrich

- this is good enough to win 35 games i think

CrushAlot wrote:

callmened wrote:

RonRon wrote:

callmened wrote:no its tough and please dont take my criticism personal. i dont know how to fix this mess either. lol. i was just being in my response. not bashing at all. again, i respect your posts and always look forward to reading them

I understand, you asked for me to come up with a possible scenario and I did
Realizing you will do nothing but point at the negatives, I did it anyway,
There is no perfect "fix"
Let me ask you do come up with a FIX and I will do what you do with my suggestions...

gotcha! i think ive praised your suggestions/posts before. but if i come off as too negative then i apologize.

yeah i think i posted it else where but ill post it again. & please feel free to rip into it. i dont claim to know all the answers.

PG Mudiay (draft)
SG Green (6 mill)
SF Melo
PF Monroe (15mill)
C Ajinca (4 mill)

Bench
PG Shved
SG Hardaway
SF Early
PF Lavoy Allen (2mill)
C Bynum/Blatche (mini vet)

Scrubs/Deep Bench
PG Calderon (or pay him off)
SG Galloway
SF Thanasis
PF Lance Thomas (2 mill)
C Aldrich

- this is good enough to win 35 games i think

If the Knicks draft Mudiay, and sign Allen, Green, Monroe, Ajinca and pull a big out of that mini exception it would be an amazing offseason.
I haven't kept up with Bynum. Is there any chance he can play again?

We have to be realistic. It's not going to be easy to fix everything about the Knicks completely in one off season. However, a good effort can be made to upgrade the roster significantly. From there they need to continue the process. This summer is about establishing a competitive roster which they certainly should be able to do.

RonRon wrote:

callmened wrote:

RonRon wrote:

callmened wrote:no its tough and please dont take my criticism personal. i dont know how to fix this mess either. lol. i was just being in my response. not bashing at all. again, i respect your posts and always look forward to reading them

I understand, you asked for me to come up with a possible scenario and I did
Realizing you will do nothing but point at the negatives, I did it anyway,
There is no perfect "fix"
Let me ask you do come up with a FIX and I will do what you do with my suggestions...

gotcha! i think ive praised your suggestions/posts before. but if i come off as too negative then i apologize.

yeah i think i posted it else where but ill post it again. & please feel free to rip into it. i dont claim to know all the answers.

PG Mudiay (draft)
SG Green (6 mill)
SF Melo
PF Monroe (15mill)
C Ajinca (4 mill)

Bench
PG Shved
SG Hardaway
SF Early
PF Lavoy Allen (2mill)
C Bynum/Blatche (mini vet)

Scrubs/Deep Bench
PG Calderon (or pay him off)
SG Galloway
SF Thanasis
PF Lance Thomas (2 mill)
C Aldrich

- this is good enough to win 35 games i think

Which Green do you have making 6m?
Gereld or Danny?

I do not think any of those FA's outside of Lance Thomas will sign for those numbers
And for Monroe, he is not a lock to even sign with us

If your plan is to win 35 games what is the purpose of coming up with a team?
Do not expect anyone to take a pay cut to join a team that will not even contend, so you are willing to stretch Calderon to build a team that will win 35 games and have no ALL STARS?
Green *maybe Gereld Green*, Lavoy Allen, Ajinicia are not signing in NYK's for that money,

Do you think any TOP TIER players will consider that team you put together in 2017?
Blatche will not sign for vet min, he is making more in China without our crazy tax, and playing with much less games, not sure about Andrew Bynum

What is Svhed making? What is Aldrich making?

Danny Green at 6 mill

(sorry kinda busy - will explain later. but in a nutshell, im not optimistic that all stars would want to play here. so im settling for role players)