what they say?

All-Star Trade Rumors: Van Exel to the Knicks?
by Chad Ford

The big talk of the weekend centered around the Knicks' interest in Nick Van Exel. The New York Times reported Saturday that the Knicks had several internal discussions about making a play for Van Exel -- the talented but troubled point guard. While Van Exel would clearly help alleviate their scoring woes, Knicks president Scott Layden was concerned, the Times reported, about Van Exel's surly attitude. If the Knicks keep losing, he could become unmanageable.

However, those concerns seem to be rapidly disappearing. Two league sources told ESPN Insider that several meetings took place between the Knicks and Nuggets over the weekend. To mitigate their risk, the Knicks are trying to swing a deal that would bring Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz to the Big Apple. They're currently dangling Latrell Sprewell, Othella Harrington and Charlie Ward. The Nuggets would prefer to clear cap room and start rebuilding the team. The Knicks are looking for a third team, possibly the Warriors, to help facilitate the deal.

The Knicks may have some competition from the Raptors and Pacers for Van Exel and LaFrentz. Both teams have interest and players in the last year or two of their contracts they could offer for the pair.

no picks please, let's try to get some instead of giving them away like candy.

I'm not to sure if I would like Nick to be a Knick but if he cuts his salary like promised and if we could deal Chollie of our roster it is a good sideway trade.

Don't know how the general opinion is on this forum but I'mm still all for a rebuild instead of swapping players that will leave us in the same predicament.

Ending contracts, rookie contracts and draft picks are about all that will make me happy at this moment. Not a 31 year old PG with an attitude and a good center who will be looking for a max contract upcoming season. Off all the rumors I've heard I only like those involving Chicago although I must admit I'd love to have Marbury.

Posted by john44:

the trade looks pretty good, but it would be tough to lose spree. i would rather trade camby than spree, i cant stand him getting hurt every year. We cant have a starting center that plays 55 games a year.

Thats true or how about Houston,which i would prefer to deal him in this trade.

I like the trade but if I was Layden, I would try to trade Houston before Sprewell. I don't think Houston and Van Exel can co-exist while a Spree-Van Exel backcourt would be one of the best in the NBA. Trading away Houston's contract would be a very good move cap-wise and I truly believe Spree would be way more effective if he switched back to the 2 position.

A young, talented, durable big man would be Raef LaFrentz, who we'd get in the deal.