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Rich
Posts: 27410
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Joined: 12/30/2003
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USA
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http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/25764.htm
ISIAH STILL SHOOTING FOR CRAWFORD DEAL
By MARC BERMAN
July 29, 2004 -- The five-hour summit at Chicago's O'Hare Airport Tuesday between Knicks president Isiah Thomas and Bulls GM John Paxson did not achieve a sign-and-trade settlement for Jamal Crawford, but the sides seem so close it would seem only egos stand in the way now.
They exchanged phone calls yesterday, having left on what officials say were positive terms, though it could be August before the deal is hatched.
During the summit, Thomas, with cap man Frank Murphy at his side, compromised by throwing Dikembe Mutombo back into the deal, but Paxson still balked. That's because Moochie Norris is still in the package and Paxson views Norris' pact a lot more prohibitive than it really is. The strongest Thomas offer had Mutombo, Shandon Anderson, Norris and $3 million going to Chicago for Crawford and the bad contracts of Jerome Williams (3 years, $18 million) and Eddie Robinson (two years, $13.9M).
Including Crawford's prospective new contract of six years, $55 million, the Knicks would add $90 million in guaranteed money — that includes the $3M handout — while shedding $37 million.
The Knicks would be doing the Bulls a big favor by taking Williams and Robinson off their hands. Both players dislike Bulls coach Scott Skiles.
The Bulls are eager to add Anderson for his defense and Mutombo for his mentor capabilities and contract status, being in the final year. But Paxson wants one more player in his final year — Othella Harrington — to close the deal.
Thomas is asking Paxson to take Norris with the contention that he, in essence, is a final-year player. By adding $3 million, that almost pays for his $3.8M wage this season. Norris gets $4.2M in the second year and his final year is not guaranteed — a team option. Thomas' unwillingness to have Harrington and Mutombo both involved also stems from saving them for a possible deal for Antoine Walker or Erick Dampier.
The Knicks still are alive in the Walker sweepstakes and Thomas can take heart that yet another player wants to play for the club, as he boldly stated over the weekend.
To get Walker from Dallas, the Knicks could need a third team. If it's a straight-up deal, Kurt Thomas would be the centerpiece.
If the Knicks pull off the Crawford trade, completing another sign-and-trade for Dampier will be difficult but not impossible. Warriors GM Chris Mullin, as reported by The Post 10 days ago, was willing to take Nazr Mohammed and Harrington. But while Dampier met with the Hawks, Mullin traded for Dale Davis.
The Knicks still feel Mullin will spend the summer sifting through the best offers.
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Only formalities remain in the re-signing of free agent Vin Baker, who could be the Knicks' starting power forward if Kurt Thomas is traded. He'll be officially inked by either tomorrow or early next week, as the Knicks are willing to pay him a starting wage of $3M.
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7/29/2004 12:08 AM