Just because Damp may have to settle for the MLE, dosen't mean he will take NY's MLE. There will be several teams interested at that price, though some of the more likely landing spots (Lakers, Mavs, Grizz) have already spent their MLE dollars.

Still, A sign/trade is still possible,and both Memphis or Indiana could offer better packages than the Knicks. Who could the Knicks even offer like that?

If they really want a swingman or a sf, they could do Penny for re-signed Damp and Eschameyer? He fits the solid, hardworking vet mold that Mullin seems to want to build, he comes off the cap in 2 yrs and they lose a bad contract in the transaction. I'd even entertain giving them gazy for that combo if we could get a replacement sf like walker or vince. Seems HIGHLY unlikely either of those deals can happen. Any sign and trade will depend on GS being willing to take on more payroll. Right now, they could let Damp go for nothing. They won't add 9mm+ to payroll for 1-2 years just to do us a favor and take TT or Penny.

For us to get Damp now will need a 3rd team to take Nazr/OH or some combo and give the warriors something it wants for Dampier. For them to take on additional payroll, they will need to get good, young talent that they like back in the deal, not expiring contracts or underwhelming players like TT or Penny who are owed big $$$. If the Grizz offer up Swift or the Pacers offer up Bender as part of a sign and trade, it may happen. If not, Damp is looking at ATL or the MLE.

i still think we need to make deals before training camp.
we need to get 2-1 talented players(damp+craw/rodney white/vc/antoine)
damp is good for us because he can rebound and block shots and doesn't shoot very much.
craw is a young combo guard who can score and pass(50 pt game+5 as per game).
for those who think frank williams can be a combo guard with marb at the backcourt , i disagree because frank is too short to guard a 6'6-6'7 guard and he is not a good scorer (he is a good point guard but we have marb at that position 40+ min per game - we need to trade him for what we need).
antoine is an upgrade for kt because he is smarter,can score on regular basis,better passer and a better leader.
vc is a longshot.
rodney white i haven't seen him play too much (i read he is talented).

i think ATL plans on going after Stromile & offering him a big contract...they'd have a nice young nucleus to build around that's athletic & exciting to watch...i don't think Dampier much sense for the Hawks at all...that's probably why the Hawks have only offered him a lowball offer...they aren't serious about signing him imho...i think the Knicks are the only real option for Dampier, but i don't think Dampier will sign w/them for the MLE...i think Isiah & Dampier's agent have had a good relationship trying to make this deal happen, & they will end up negotiating a fair deal for ~5 years at approximately similar dollars to what Rasheed Wallace will be making w/DET...the only question will be whether the Warriors will agree to the sign & trade...the ball is totally in Chris Mullin's court now...i think something will get worked out w/in a week's time...just a hunch...i don't think Dampier will be signing a MLE offer anywhere...i am willing to BET that Isiah uses part of the MLE to re-sign Vin Baker.

[Edited by - TMS on 07/23/2004 11:37:26]

This FA period has been full of oddball decisions--- much of which comes as a result of the luxury tax. It's interesting that the Warriors would be willing to let go of Dampier for absolutely nothing, even though he should be able to bring in some quality players or draft picks.

NVE *had to go* after they signed Fisher. There was no way they'd need to carry 3 decent PGs (w/ Dunleavy being the 4th). Dale Davis is pretty much done @ PF--- he's no long term solution.

Nazr Mohammed represents a potential double-double type of player who's relatively young and locked up for a couple of years at a bargain price. He's really not much different from what GSW has gotten from Dampier over the years.

Stromile Swift is younger than Mohammed and is more athletically gifted-- he's clearly seen as having more upside. However, if they traded for him, they'd have the quandary of figuring out how much he's worth as a free agent. If he's offered in a trade for Dampier, there's not much the Knicks can do.