I posted this on another board, what are your thoughts?

passing on aquiring Fortson, a guy who could have played an important role, for Ward and Knight, 2 guys who we all hope have no role makes you scratch your head. My question is what do you think Layden's plan is? For the sake of an interesting debate avoid posting "Laydumb is stoopid and is probably just drinking heavily this offseason." (both of which may be true)

While Layden's moves have ranged from very good (McDyess) to very terrible (I think all the others) Layden is not a dumb man, so I beg the question; whats his plan? And whatever his plan is, does he have a shot of actually making it work?

Only 3 scenarios seem to make sense at this point.

a) Do nothing and take it a year at a time. The Knicks now have a team thats watchable at least. You play out the string, draft a guy here, make a small trade there. Dont add anymore big contracts, keep the team at least competitive and get the payroll down to $55 mill in the next 5 years.

b) Do nothing now, because your real plan is for 2003. Any chance at LeBron James entails a bunch of incredibly far fetched ideas, but landing a huge FA doesnt. The Knicks will have 3 draft picks, a European prospect that will be seasoned after a year as a starter, and 3 guys in their walk years. 2 guys in Ward and Knight good for cap relief, and Dice a huge piece to include in a sign and trade if that option presents itself. We will never know until the time arrives but next offseason will certainly hold more possbilities than this one.

c)waiting for the final trade to win now. Layden actually does have a plan for this year after all. Kurt and Ward for Van Ex, Spree for Penny and Joe Johnson, Gary Payton, Olowakandi...if this is his plan we will know in the next 4 weeks.

What do you think?

I think part B makes the most sense. A first rounder, two 2nd rounders that could pan out, and Milos all coming in. Knicks will be competitive and still be rebuilding.

Unless you just talked to Scott Layden about his plans, don't tell me I'm wrong. Thanks.

I agree with what you say about Fortson, but it really doesn't make sense. He's building a balanced team, OK, I understand and agree with that, but to give up Ward and Knight (who really don't balance out the team), get relief in the cap in Mills and a top rebounder, I just don't see why you pass that up. Doesn't make sense. At least get a more talented team, if anything.

At this point, I would rather see layden wait a year and continue to work on the problem then make trades that will tie his hands for a longer period of time. We have some strong talent right now, we need more pieces but remember "Rome wasnt built in a day" and the Knicks wont win a championship this year - even if we get a legit center or pg, the west is still stronger. So lets see what the man can do and give him some time to do it.

Your all forgetting that Dolan is calling the shots now. We all know layden would have pulled the move for mourning, but was overruled, chances are Dolan doesnt want this move now either because he doesnt want more salary, its likely any move now will involve equal salaries coming back or less even.

Posted by falcindor:

Layden has something concrete happening this week. Layden rejected GS because he said he wanted to use Ward in a trade that would bring a center back. Obviously he was speaking about a specific center. I think its Olowakandi. If Kandi can force Clipps to sign and trade for Thomas + Ward + couple picks it would be perfect. Knicks may assure him MAX money which is more than what he even wants from the Clipp. He wants 11 mil. Knicks may give him 12.5 per year plus a weak conference for him to dominate.

Ok sweet move, now who do we have at PG though? Eisley smokez ballz man and Williams - well he is untested and unproven. The foreign guy isnt coming anytime soon, but this would be a pretty solid club with a true center who can ball. I like the sound of it.

if the Knicks got Olowakandi it would be a total freakin coup. I know he's not signed yet but no scenario the Knicks could put together makes any sense. The Clips have Jarik and Dre Miller. The have a great sg, a great sf and a great pf. The only thing they need is a center. Add to the fact that they dont like to pay up, so why would they take any of the Knick's terrible contracts?

I would love Kandi, and it would all but guarentee a 4-5 years run to the finals, but there is no realistic way it happens.

Since that's for arguments sake, I'll argue with you and say there's no way the Clips would do that. They don't need a PG, Spree, or Thomas. It's just not happening.

it doesnt work that way. He needs to sign sign at least a 3-year deal do retain his Bird rights. If the Knicks gon him for one year the most they could offer him the following year is the veteran execption. The Clips have interest in any of the Knicks backcourt players. Kurt Thomas is a PF (which they now have 3 of with Brand, Wilcox and Ely). Kurt can play some center, but in the west everynight he's going to have a tough time. Kurt only makes 4.9 mill, and you cant back log contracts like you can in the NBA. which means if its Kurt, best they could offer is 3 years 16 mill. Not so good.

I'll just predict by season trade dead line Knicks will add Wesley and Cambell from the Hornets for Houston,Ward,Knight.

Additional fact is that PJ Brown and Elden Campbell are in the last year of their contract, which nowadays is a very high trade commodity.

I would like Campbell though, or Lorenzen Wright from the Grizz or even a center from the Bucks (they have Joey Pryzbilla, Ervin Johnson, Dan Gadzuric and unsigned Jamal Sampson)