Knicks are serously making an offer to Keon as of July 1st. Knicks have made it known that they are will to give the whole 4.6 exception to him for the maximum of 6 years. I no Keon fan (everybody knows that). But I could really like that. I would never trade for Keon but FA is different. Knicks would have a sick frontcourt. All we would need is that slashing PG.

Realistic choices :

Brevin Knight
Nick Van Exel

Keon Clark is what the Knicks need. He's one of the best shot-blockers in the league and arguably the 6th man of the year. I think we have a pretty realistic chance at getting him because we have a lot to offer him. 4.9M a year is very good and the Knicks could easily sign him to the max deal, which is 6 years for 35M. I'm not sure how many teams would be willing to pay him that much, but i know the Knicks would. Also the Knicks are now capable of offering him a starting spot at center, which Toronto may not be able to do to keep everyone happy. Keep in mind also that McDyess and Clark were teammates and friends in Denver so having McDyess start beside Clark would increase Keon's chances on wanting to come to New York. If we can't get him, i think another player we should really go for is Nazr Mohammed of Atlanta, but Clark is my first choice.

Posted by knicksbabyyeah:

NYK really should get Keon + another center. I'd die and go to heaven if they got Nesterovic in a sign and trade as well but would be pleased with Jarron, Foyle, Drobnjak, Jerome James, Dampier or even Doleac.

Knicks really need two bigs, no more of this small ball crapola.

If they were able to sign Clark and the Knicks couldn't swing a deal involving Thomas for Van Exel or another solid point guard, i would be alright with the Knicks sending Thomas to Golden State for Adonal Foyle. It seems like the Warriors come out the winners, but having Clark at C and Foyle backing him up would give the Knicks two of the best shot-blockers in the league.

Posted by Andrew:

I don't mind Keon, but lets not repeat the mistakes of last year and sign him to a 6 year mid level max contract. DO we ever want to be in a good salary cap situation?

The Knicks will never be in a good salary cap position. The only like veterans and they come with a hefty price.

Well if you want to sign cheap player, you get cheap talent in return. It catch 22, better off spending the money and stop pinching pennies.

I like Kurt as a backup C and PF. At PG VanExel isnt the right choice with the current team. He would be great if we didnt have Spree. I think Knicks should try to swing a deal involving 3 or 4 teams that can land us Odom + a bad contract in exchange for Sprewell. Odom is a good ditributor at SF and can make up for some of the passing we lost in Mark Jax.

Posted by Andrew:

Posted by Vmart:

The Knicks will never be in a good salary cap position. The only like veterans and they come with a hefty price.

OK..agreed, but how about reasonable contracts that are at the very least tradable.

Only way to do reasonable contracts is to be the Lakers. Where the there are two dominant superstars that carry the team then you can put role players that don't command max contract. Thats the only way and the smart way. Bulls did it and now the Lakers are doing it.

New York has enough money and are willing to spend enough to put Toronto in a difficult situation. Even if we don't get Keon we still force Toronto to spend a lot of money they don't want to. If they aren't willing to anti up the cash than Clark will likely sign with the Knicks for the max deal.

If you trade Thomas, then no Van Exel. I'd rather sign Clark to the full extension, then maybe invite a guy like Chris Cristofferson to training camp to back him up. He's over 7 feet tall and could just be an extra body, then Thomas is expendable.