But if Curry really wants out, and is willing to sacrifice, a buyout can give Walsh exactly what he wants — more cap room in 2010. It is the only way (other than a trade) to have Curry completely off the books when the free agents hit the market next summer.
The key is Curry’s player option. Curry’s contract technically ends after this season, but he has the option to extend it for one more season at $11.3 million. Since he is unlikely to command anything approaching that amount as a free agent, it is considered a no-brainer that when the time comes, he will pick up the option and guarantee himself the salary. And once he does, the salary is stuck on the Knicks’ books, reducing Walsh’s spending power by that same $11.3 million.
I did not know this. Once he opts in we can't buy him out for cap purpose.
At game 41 we will owe him 16.5mm 5.25 for this year and 11.25 for next. If we offer him 13mm in a lump sum so he can go find another team with 40 games to go--we would save roughly 2.5mm in cap next year and an additional 2mm in salary + taxes this year. I would go this way--at game 40 or so. To make it worthwhile for Eddy--he needs time and a team [which he will easily find]that gives him a chance to play right away. Once the trade deadline passes--we are pretty much stuck with the 11.25 number no matter what next year. It makes more sense to give him a reasonable upfront payoff--and EC should take the chance that he will make more in the next year and one half than 3.5mm$ ---I would if I was him. the only way he can get another reasonable contract is with PT.
If Curry is willing to give up his option for next season, Walsh would likely give him a buyout in a heartbeat, rushing to get it done before Curry has a chance to change his mind.
