Posted by Knixkik:

From BskBALL.com

12/19- ARE THE HEAT FINISHED? - Pat Riley continues to remind media that he is not going anywhere, that despite mounting losses, he is becoming more and more determined to turn things around. Claiming that he has never connected with this group of players, and with several of the "bloated" talking lack of leadership, the Heat have opened talks with more than half the league and the other half is expected to be contacted before the new year. Rumor has it, almost any two players from the Heat roster are for sale, and the Heat are not going to be overly picky about who they take back... some ideas floated have the Heat talking with Knicks about sending Brian Grant and Anthony Carter to New York for a Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward package, while the Bulls are rumored to have held discussions regarding grumpy Charles Oakley, in a Brian Grant swap as well. The most coveted piece of "real estate" the Heat hold does not appear to be their $3.3 million trade exception, but rather the 1st round draft pick they hold this year, NBA rules prohibits the Heat from trading it, but that's not to say the Heat couldn't draft a favorable player for "a future consideration" deal or swapping picks on draft day. The Heat have joined the Raef LaFrentz hunt, but its unclear what they could really offer the Nuggets that would tempt them to move him, especially as late breaking news links the Magic to Denver and offering "several" first rounders for Raef and a possible front court player like Andrew DeClercq, although the still hold enough of a trade exception where they could take LaFrentz off Denver's hands for very little in return, something Denver seems totally opposed to. Sources close to the Nuggets say they are not shopping Raef, but several teams say they have had discussions about Raef. It seems Kiki Vandeweghe's phone is ringing, and he's answering it, whether he deals depends on what's said on the other end. Its fairly clear Riley is shopping the market, but with more and more teams opening the phone lines, trade talk is "heat"ing up, and Pat Riley looks ready to deal, and with comments about "eroding" skills. It seems like everyone in Miami is available for the right price.


Grant would be a good pickup for us and an improvement over Thomas even though he's struggling. I'd do it. Thoughts?

I'm not sure if I'd do it. The guy was gonna sign with us a few years ago but went to Miami instead. TRAITOR!!!!!

Posted by MCfan23:

Definitely. He is a big upgrade on Thomas.

Posted by knicksbabyyeah:

Shawn Bradley is a complete bust, I'd rather do nothing than get him. Dallas thought he'd be very useful with the rule changes but the guy just isn't in complete control of his own body. He's too tall for his own good so he usually makes a "dumb" foul just because he isn't in position on time. I honesty think even Ostertag is better and I really don't want him but just for comparison's sake.

I hope we can get a deal done for Raef, if not for Marc or even Ike Austin.

Currently I'm hoping we trade eithe Eisley or Ward and sign Omar Cook. KT should be on his way out as well but we're a little bit late for trading him I think. He was more valuable after his performance during the playoffs but he's been in such a slump lately who would we get in return?

Oh, and we might want to consider getting Stromile Swift, how though is the trick question.

Posted by knicksbabyyeah:

it's a done deal percentage = 0% but nonetheless I'd be one happy puppy if this trade would happen. Especially since it's Isaac his last year and we would probably not resign him. We can't trade Postell at this time, something to do with bird rights I think.

Memphis trades: Isaac Austin ,Brevin Knight ,Stromile Swift TOTAL: $13,597,355

New York trades: Howard Eisley ,Travis Knight ,Kurt Thomas TOTAL: $12,794,625

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Memphis and New York being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Memphis and New York had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Memphis would also receive a trade exception of $802,730 with this trade. This would have to be used within one calendar year from the date of this trade.

Trade ID number 442927

[Edited by - knicksbabyyeah on 12/30/2001 16:00:27]

Posted by knicksbabyyeah:

Yeah I agree, it's tough to get a deal done with Memphis and them liking the deal. Another problem is that they have an injury exception for Big Country so they might not even want to trade anyone at all.

Still, it seems they can't afford the big bucks for Swift and they want something in return. I wouldn't mind giving a lottery protected pick from 2004 or beyond.

Posted by knicksbabyyeah:

True, read it in the nypost awhile back that he would have excepted the 4.5 from NYK and that he would love to be a knick.

Still, he wants to get out of GS so bad he might accept any deal at this time and moment. That's the thing right? GS has to approve the deal and for it too be accepted Marc has to give his blessing as well. GS might play some hardball again, who knows?