They don't want to read about this in Cleveland, but just about every step Donnie Walsh will take between now and the Summer of LeBron (2010) will be all about getting King James into a Knicks uniform.
As we reported today, much of Walsh' recruiting efforts with Mike D'Antoni involved the gameplan of getting under the salary cap to make a run at LBJ.
Before we get to the meat of the story, let me first correct a few things in the story. First and foremost, Marc Iavaroni's name is misspelled in the story. For some reason, we went with the spelling of another Long Islander, Big Brown owner Michael Iavarone.
Pardon me, I'm an idiot. But as I've said in the past, fallibility is sexy.
More importantly -- and clearly something that will be discussed a great deal -- is the Knicks payroll situation going into the offseason after 2009-10. I wrote that the Knicks have $28 million in salary, which reflects only guaranteed contracts. I failed to include the various options that are also on the ledger that, if all were taken, would increase the number to $47 million.
Let's assume the cap in 2010-11 is in the $60-65 million range. That still leaves the Knicks over $10 million in cap space, which is a start.
But let me show you what the Knicks have contract-wise to deal with between now and then:
Stephon Marbury ($20,840,625) and Malik Rose ($7,647,500) become free agents in 2009.
David Lee and Nate Robinson are both headed toward restricted free agency in 2009. The most the Knicks have to do is give qualifying offers to both -- Lee would get $2,682,049 and Robinson would get $2,911,077 -- and then negotiate with them in 2010. But that opens the door for other teams to submit offer sheets for either (Lee might get a lot of attention, perhaps at the mid-level exception) and Walsh will have to decide if it is worth keeping either for long-term committments or letting them go to stick with the 2010 plan.
Like I said, Fixers, there are going to be some tough decisions.
Another one that is coming in 2009 is Jamal Crawford, who has a player opt-out after next season and may very well take it if he believes he could get more on the open market than the $19,440,000 he would get over the next two seasons if he picked up his option. Keep this in mind, Crawford should flourish in D'Antoni's system, so his offensive numbers aren't likely to drop. So if Crawford opts-out, his $10,080,000 owed in 2010-11 comes off the books.
Quentin Richardson has a player option in 2009 for $9,352,500 that you can expect he will pick up. But he comes off the books in 2010.
Jerome James has a player opt for $6,600,000 in 2009. I wonder if before this point Walsh will look into getting a disabled player exemption for James, who has a litany if physical issues that -- along with an awful work ethic -- has kept him from being physically able to perform. Either way, his contract is off the books in 2010.
Going even deeper, there are team options on three young players for 2010 - Renaldo Balkman ($2,036,920), Mardy Collins ($1,801,029) and Wilson Chandler ($1,255,440). None are guaranteed to be picked up because you can't assume anything.
Everyone agrees it's pretty much a given Eddy Curry will pick up his option in 2009 that kicks in $10,500,423 in 09-10 and $11,276,863 in 10-11. You're stuck with that unless you can find a trade parter.
Zach Randolph's contract is the killer. He is owed $17,333,333 in 2010-11, which is the final year of his deal. Perhaps you can trade him by then as an expiring, but there is reason to believe that Walsh will do all he can to move Randolph this summer. But you'll likely have to take on someone else's bad contract (or two) in the process. Since you're going to need players, the hope is you at least get players who better fit the system and, better fit with Curry in the frontcourt.
In the meanwhile, anything else you do is purely short-term. D'Antoni's system needs strong play out of the point guard position. We already know Toronto will have to make a choice between Jose Calderon (a restricted free agent) and T.J. Ford, who is owed $16.5 million over the next two seasons and has a player option for $8.5 million in 2010-11.
One intriguing option to consider -- longshot, but worth monitoring -- is the situation brewing with Baron Davis and the Warriors. Davis has a $17.1 million option this summer. If he opts out, he is a free agent and the Knicks won't be able to touch him. But if he has any interest in coming to New York, he'd have to take something short-term via a sign-and-trade.
Fixers, this isn't going to be easy. There is a lot of maneuvering to do and some very tough decisions (Crawford and Lee) to make along the way to get to that Summer of LeBron with enough space to lure him away from Cleveland.
Comments (31)
Hey Alan,
Did I miss something? What about the rookies they will sign? Those guys are going to count as well. I'd love to see a blog on potential trade partners for Zbo. Any chance D'Antoni knows of an Italian team that might want him or Curry?
"Pardon me, I'm an idiot."
Someone should've told the second-rate hockey writer than two or three decades ago.
"One intriguing option to consider -- longshot, but worth monitoring -- is the situation brewing with Baron Davis and the Warriors."
Another Loser and Cancer at the point.
Just what the Knicks do NOT need.
The salary numbers and breakdown were all written about years ago. The second-rate hockey writer was at Home Depot.
Alan,
What's the deal with draft choices?
How many do we have this year and next?
Also is the first round pick that was traded to phoenix/utah (for Marbury) is that lottery protected?
Who would you say in this year draft (top five) would fit the Knicks new system?
thanks
i like not hawthorne's request... realistic takers for zbo??? i've gotta think chicago might be one. they need low post scorers in the worst way and there's certainly enough defense around him to cover his mistakes.
one other blog i'd love to see you write... an one paragraph analysis on each player on the knicks roster and how he would or would not fit with d'antoni. i've got opinion sof my own, but would love to see some thougts.
as for anonymous, you want an idiot, go read mitch lawrence at the daily news. he's pissed off and crying because he thinks donnie mislead the new york media with the jax thing. alan, correct me if i'm wrong, but wasn't the whole jax as the front runner stuff pure media speculation. i NEVER read any quotes from donnie that said jax was the "top choice". besides even he did, things change when a guy this good comes on the market. to suggest (actually flt out state) that donnie "lied through his teeth" to jax is absurd, since mitch lawrance has no way of knowing what donnie said. so, the point is, i don't always agree with alan, and i think this whole lebron article, while most likely true, is too early to speculate on, these points don;t make him an idiot. if you want an idiot, that's why there's mark berman and mitch lawrence!
anybody can be moved, if you're willing to take nothing of value back. there has to be a team that would want a 20-10 like Randolph.
Gentlemen,
If you care to, here is a first opportunity to circle the wagons around the new hire:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/roliver/stories/MYSA.051208.OLIVER.p2.EN.efbaa83c.html
Master Oliver is a right funny little chap. I will take his characteristic of our love for the blue-collar bruising 90's as the insult it is and point out, that in fact, the Spurs have plenty of hatchetmen on their roster (Bruce Break-Ankle Bowen), and Big-shot Bob wiping out Nash was an act of inspired thuggery. But clearly, the Spurs are not brusier thugs like those old Knicks. Ah, if only Patrick had been there when we took on Robinson and Duncan back in the day. A different world it would have been.
Gotta love it when a sportswriter writes like he's on the team - ad hominem attacks and references to bowel movements and all kind of tough guy talk - Master Oliver, you are a true gangster.
In fact, a Z-Bo for Baron Davis Swap, with a short contract for Davis, is what the doctor ordered for the Warriors, who have even less than the bulls to score with in the paint.
The league is filled with bad contracts, its just a matter of how long they are, your cap, and whether they're on your payroll. Each team has its own imperatives that must be served.
What happen to the plan? Getting younger and building a defense. Baron Davis? Draft a point guard; they're some good ones coming out in this year draft. Rose, Bayless, O J Mayo, DJ Austin, and Gordon. Baron Davis is a shoot first point guard. And he's old. Trade Lee to move up to get Rose. No more Zach Randolph quick fixes, please.
Point guard help defender is what we need.
Alan where Jay-Z goes LeBron will follow
don't listen to hahn. he now works for dolan :)
lee chandler jeffries balkman crawford nate marbury
they all fit his style
o.j mayo aint no p.g
bayless is a combo
gordon=ben
not a big fan of rose
they gotta pick beasley if he is on the board he will be perfect for dantoni
lets see how it goes can't wait for november..
staytuned for more KnowLedge
Alan- How does it feel to have Dolan for a boss now? If you are back as beat writer next year, maybe you will be granted VIP access. What's your take on this situation- do you still think you will be still be allowed to be critical of the team?
Loki you can play Baron Davis and Derrick Rose together. It would be a bad trade because Baron Davis is more fragile that Sam Jackson in Unbreakable.
Mayo and Bayless are not the PG leaders the Knicks need. I think they can be converted into PGs but that will take a couple years. If we don't get Rose I say trade down for multiple picks this year and next using Lee as trade bait. Take a chance on the D. Johnson kid with the lower pick like the Lakers did with Bynum.
You know, I'm liking D'Antoni more and more, even though the decision is getting killed a little bit in the press.
The argument that I don't buy is that D'Antoni won't work this team hard. How does anyone know what type of workout regimine he'll prescribe for this Knicks team, which is far different from his Suns teams? I think its presumptious to just say that since he coached one team one way, he'll coach this team similarly.
Obviously he won't be able to coach the Knicks the same way as the Suns. But he's a good coach, and good coaches adjust to the circumstances they're put in.
I'm actually pretty excited. I even think that in a weak East, with a good draft pick and dumping some dead wieght, D'Antoni could take them to the playoffs.
Maybe it'd be with a sub-500 record, but hey, it could be a start...
And I certainly think he's a better choice than a guy with no coaching experience at all. We've taken too many gambles already. A coach of the year is much less of a gamble than a rookie coach who seems like he'd be good at it.
Am I drinking the kool-aid or do you guys think that this could work?
@matt b... i'm totally on board! i said it in a previous post last week when most others were against. i for one am PSYCHED! we're not getting to the final anytime soon, but at least we'll get some entertaining basketball in the meantime. that's really what we want. and if we can challnge for a championship in 3 to 5 years than we'll be happy. ultimately that;s what rebuilding is, and the reaction we have in the press and from some fans is why people say nyc will never let you rebuild. we may have sucked for a lot of years now, but make no mistake, we didn't start rebuilding until donnie showed up. trust in donnie. obviously d'antoni did and that's gotta say something.
as for the dude who said trade lee... he's the only one i'd kill to keep! although, i wouldn't be surprised if mike d'antoni turns nate robinson into an all-star. by no means is that a prediction, i'm just saying it wouldn't surprise me.
KnowLedge,
I agree with you with Lee, Chandler, Jeffries, Balkman, Crawford, Nate, Marbury fitting into his style
I don't agree with you in regards to Rose. I'm a big fan of a big push the ball, true point guard.
I do not think Beasley fits into D Antonio style, have you watched him, he's good but he doesn't run much and he looks like he always tired. He's more of a post up player and with his size I'm not sure it will work in the NBA and his jump shot is suspect. The Memphis players of Rose and Roberts fit his style better. If you can gat somebody get Rose for sure.
I really hate when a whole franchise is waiting on one player to sign a couple of years from now. What if we are competitive with a superstar by then why would we want Lebron?
I admit he's great. But, he cant guarantee us an NBA title. He will have had to best years behind him because he started so young. We have to build from within and get some key free agents. D'Antoni had Diaw and Barbosa. We had Ewing back in the day to sell other teams players to come to the Knicks. We need that type of leverage then we will be contenders.
Have I said how much I admire and respect Cablevision as a company?
I know I know. Now that you work for Dolan you will turn into Michael Kay cause you have a family to feed.
What's the next title gonna look like Dolan is NY best owner since George stepped down.
This site is done. I'm thinking of starting an idependant Knicks Blog.
Its nice to know that Walsh is on same pace as Isiah was salary cap wise. He is such a genius.
@director - uh, he was being sarcastic...
@rush - what do you mean? he hasn't done anything to the roster yet. coach's salary doesn't count against the cap...
"lee chandler jeffries balkman crawford nate marbury
they all fit his style
o.j mayo aint no p.g
bayless is a combo
gordon=ben
not a big fan of rose
they gotta pick beasley if he is on the board he will be perfect for dantoni
lets see how it goes can't wait for november..
staytuned for more KnowLedge"
You said it all. I cannot understand the love for Derrick Rose. He is a nice player, but this guy is not even in the league of Beasley as far as talent goes. I even prefer Augustin to Rose, but thats just me.
"I admit he's great. But, he cant guarantee us an NBA title. He will have had to best years behind him because he started so young"
Like Kobe's best years are behind him? And Garnetts? Thats silly. He will be 26.
I don't believe any of this Jay-Z stuff regarding LeBron. These guys are smart, and they understand that it's not show friends, it's show business.
And when it comes to business, there's no comparing Madison Square Garden with whatever they may or may not build in Brooklyn.
That said, LeBron is doing quite well for himself right now. He may not feel the need to change addresses.
Let me reiterate my point that D'Antoni is a bad choice for 2 reasons: his style has proven to be a failure in the playoffs and because the Knicks need to go back to preaching defense and Pringles is the last thing from defense. Not the worst hire but not the best either. I guess we'll see how it goes but it seems like another Dolan move to me.
BTW, looks like Dolan will buy Newsday so he spew his propaganda on an NY paper now too. Guess he's fighting against the media.
Uh George, what have defensive minded coaches done for the Knicks lately? Larry Brown was allegedly a defensive guru and the Knicks defense was solidly mediocre in defense.
If anything, I'll take "smart" coaches who are creative on both sides of the ball better than anything else. Riley came here with the reputation of adhering to the system that managed the "Showtime" Lakers. Few predicted that Riley would morph the Knicks into the defensive juggernaut that they were during the 90s.
Smart coaches win, period. D'Antoni had the bad luck of squaring up against the Spurs. Anything can happen once you get to the playoffs. I'd gladly take what the Suns have had the last few years.
THE KNICKS WILL NEVER BE A GREAT DEFENSIVE TEAM!
the 90's are over...
mason and oakley are not walking through that door!
now the knicks have crawford,randolph and curry.
now who can turn these guys into defensive players?
the answer is "no one"!
the knicks are an offensive oriented team.
D'antoni is an offensive style coach.
the knicks had a defensive coach in larry brown and how did that work out?
23 wins...
Give walsh and d'antoni some time to put their plan in motion.
Alan - Nice spot on BT's show. Just was listening to it.
I think that you're right about the coaching change making up for at least 7-8 games. Isiah was really, really bad at X's and O's. And if you consider that they have pretty much the same roster as the 06-07 team, maybe that could spell playoffs next year if they're able to dump the right guys, and play a different offense than the "give jamal/zach/eddy the ball, clear out, see if they could score, and if not, let lee try to pick up the scraps"
Alan
Remember what happened to Marv Albert when you are critical of the Boss. (and you are no Marv Albert)..I hear Cablevision /Snoozeday needa a beat writter for the Ducks.
Word has it that LeBron will command a salary of $32-34m per year long term deal__Not far fetched from what Jordan got with the bulls at $30m___The Cavs will have the cap room when 2011 gets here___ the Knicks may or may not get there. With Isiah Thomas gone__the Knicks are on their way. Good Luck!
Who knows what style D'Antoni will bring. When the Knicks brought Pat Riley on board, he wasn't know for his Defense. He was known for Showtime. Good coaches adjust to their roster. Let's reserve judgement, this will be a true test for Mike D'Antoni.