Posted by JohnWallace44:
Pharzone, so you're saying that our GM completely effed the team then?
You're taking the literal interpretation of the rule, but that rule has been subverted in past years and when you watch the draft on TV the media openly talks about rumored trades that they think will be announced later.
Walsh didn't see a deal that he liked before the trading deadline. So maybe TMS is correct when he said that Walsh made a mistake by not trading them or at least one before the trading deadline. The rule may have been subverted in the past but I don't recall if the free agents involve had much write up about them as the Knicks so the league may have let things go. Sacramento had every intention on bringing back Artest, who was talking of sorts of stuff. About playing everywhere. Rockets jumped on the opportunity. As I recall NY had the same opportunity with Artest but it was unlikely that Walsh would reacquire Artest.
Stern is well aware of the Knicks situation and the 2010 plan because he's right here and gets to read it everything. Hell he even expressed his opinions on those two. I'm just saying this situation is not clear cut. I personally believe both Lee and Nate will be lengthy negotiations. It starts by them both indicating that they will not be accepting a qualifying offer. That's a gauntlet they threw down right there.
There is nothing in Walsh's history to indicate that he would be willing to put the organization in a position that could jepodize future picks and fines. I don't see another organization risking similar penalties for Lee and Nate either.
Walsh concerns now are
1) Neither Lee nor Nate find a suitor that will give them a ridiculous contract that the Knicks will be forced to walk away from.
2) The suitor has attractive assets that they would be willing to part with and that the Knicks are willing to take (I mean their suitors can just sign either player straight up to crazy contract and call the Knicks bluff). I think Wallace will make a serious pitch to Lee, forcing Donnie's hand.
3) If he can't find a trading partner this summer, will he have an opportunity to find one before Feb.
Donnie was blasted by some in the media, particularly those on ESPN for not trading at least one of those guys to avoid those concerns I just mentioned. Keep in mind Donnie can't talk to Lee or Nate or their agents about any of this or else risk someone going to the league office that could cause all hell. So everyone would have to be on the same page and if you listen to Lee just this week, they don't appear to be so.
