http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/02/17/2009-02-17_donnie_walsh_keeping_options_open.html

Donnie Walsh keeping options open
BY Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, February 18th 2009, 3:08 AM

Donnie Walsh would drop his plans for the summer of 2010 in a heartbeat if, say, someone such as Chris Paul was available before Thursday's trading deadline.

But since players such as Paul, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are not going anywhere - at least not yet - Walsh has other options to consider. Walsh, the Knicks president, wouldn't say Tuesday if he is close to making a trade, but according to several league executives, the names most mentioned in trade talks are David Lee, Nate Robinson and Malik Rose, who has an expiring contract.

Lee and Robinson will become restricted free agents this summer, and re-signing one or both could jeopardize the Knicks' plans to get under the salary cap by 2010. Of course, opposing teams know that, which is why they are trying to essentially steal Lee from the Knicks.

"Obviously one guy is wanted more than other guys," Walsh said. "But yeah, there's interest."

One Eastern Conference executive says that the Portland Trail Blazers remain in contention for Lee but that the Knicks have not been blown away by anything Portland is offering. One reported deal is Lee for Jerryd Bayless and Travis Outlaw. If Lee is on the roster after the deadline he'll become a restricted free agent on July 1 and the Knicks would have the option to match any offer. However, if Lee commands a salary of anything above $8 million per season, the Knicks may be reluctant to re-sign the power forward.

"The object is to see if we can get a deal that would be helpful to the team," Walsh said, "but not interfere with what we're trying to do eventually."

Rose's expiring contract is drawing interest around the league. The Sacramento Kings, who are looking to trim payroll, have discussed a possible Brad Miller-for-Rose swap but Miller doesn't fit with Mike D'Antoni's system.

If Rose isn't traded by the deadline, there is a possibility that the Knicks would be open to negotiating a buyout with the veteran forward. That would give Rose the opportunity to sign with a contender.

Making that same accommodation for Stephon Marbury is unlikely. Walsh says he has received mild interest in Marbury, whose expiring contract pays him $20.9 million this season. If Marbury isn't traded he would have to finalize a buyout agreement with the Knicks before March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs.

With the Suns apparently ready to hang on to Amare Stoudemire, there is a chance that Phoenix, looking to play a more up-tempo style under Alvin Gentry, would consider trading Shaquille O'Neal. People close to O'Neal say that the All-Star center would welcome a trade to New York. O'Neal's contract runs out after next season.

"There are certain confines I won't go beyond and that lessens the kinds of trades you would consider," Walsh said.

DLee for Bayless and Outlaw. That sounds very enticing but I would like Aldridge to replace Outlaw. We can then send DLee and JJFat for Aldridge and Bayless. JJFat is filler.

walsh is 100% invested in the 2010 plan. in fact, i think his target is TWO free agents but i'm not sure if both are in 2010 or the 2nd one is coming in 2011. signing lee removes the 2010 two free agent plan but keeps the 2011 plan in place.

imho, lee re-signs for 5 years $50 and the knicks will try for one free agent in 2010 and one in 2011. re-signing nate is 50/50 right now...and i think they're leaning towards moving him.

Posted by djsunyc:

walsh is 100% invested in the 2010 plan. in fact, i think his target is TWO free agents but i'm not sure if both are in 2010 or the 2nd one is coming in 2011. signing lee removes the 2010 two free agent plan but keeps the 2011 plan in place.

imho, lee re-signs for 5 years $50 and the knicks will try for one free agent in 2010 and one in 2011. re-signing nate is 50/50 right now...and i think they're leaning towards moving him.

I think that is a good plan. I really like DLee and only need a center that can help him defensively in the weekside. Nate + Curry or no trade?

If the Blazers throw in 1st round pick and that's a done deal IMO.

Posted by djsunyc:


imho, lee re-signs for 5 years $50 and the knicks will try for one free agent in 2010 and one in 2011. re-signing nate is 50/50 right now...and i think they're leaning towards moving him.

this is a very plausible outcome, su.

At the end of today's NY Times article on the Spurs game last night:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/sports/basketball/18knicks.html?_r=1&ref=basketball

Walsh said...that a player’s popularity — Robinson’s, for instance — would not hinder him from making a move to help the team as long as it did not conflict with the Knicks’ long-term goal of staying under the salary cap heading into the summer of 2010.

“Are you saying are we going to keep popular players that don’t help you win?” he said. “I hope we don’t do that.”

[Edited by - PresIke on 02-18-2009 10:06 AM]

Posted by SupremeCommander:

I'd want Aldridge too, but him for Lee straight up has no chance of happening

Is Aldridge really that great? I haven't seen him play much but stat wise, Lee absolutely destroys him. Aldridge is barely HALF the rebounder Lee is.

Posted by TheGame:

Lee and Roberson for Bayless, Frye, and top-10 protected 1st round pick would be my asking price.

if you are going to trade Lee away, it will be for a LOT more than this.

Posted by Bonn1997:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

I'd want Aldridge too, but him for Lee straight up has no chance of happening

Is Aldridge really that great? I haven't seen him play much but stat wise, Lee absolutely destroys him. Aldridge is barely HALF the rebounder Lee is.

I would Aldridge is better then Lee. He is on the the David West plan and he is better year two then West was. 20-9 or 10 is definitely in Aldridges future and that is without being in Lees position with Mike'Ds offense plus no front court players..

Frye is a restricted free agent just like Lee after this season. Portland may just want him off the books. He might do well for D' with minutes but I don't think Walsh would resign him.

Posted by djsunyc:

walsh is 100% invested in the 2010 plan. in fact, i think his target is TWO free agents but i'm not sure if both are in 2010 or the 2nd one is coming in 2011. signing lee removes the 2010 two free agent plan but keeps the 2011 plan in place.

imho, lee re-signs for 5 years $50 and the knicks will try for one free agent in 2010 and one in 2011. re-signing nate is 50/50 right now...and i think they're leaning towards moving him.

that is a very reasonable analysis DJ, makes a lot of sense.. I agree..

Posted by BRIGGS:

Sign David Lee long term unless you get an unbelievable package--and I mean something like Anthony Randolph Belinnelli and a GS unrestricted 1 in 2009

I like that one but doesn't seem reasonable considering the 09 unrestricted you threw in there.

I like Bayless, Outlaw and a #1 for Lee.

or

Bayless, LeFrentz and #1 for Lee and Curry (moving Eddy would feel so nice).