Balkman deal done (UPDATED AGAIN)
Just got a tip from an NBA contact that the Renaldo Balkman trade to the Denver Nuggets was just completed.
The Knicks sent Balkman to the Nuggets in exchange for Taurean Green and Bobby Jones. K-Berg reported this in today's Newsday. A person with knowledge of the situation told me on Sunday night that Green and Jones are expected to be waived by the Knicks. Neither has a guaranteed contract.
UPDATED 3:39 p.m.
The Knicks confirmed the deal, which includes a second-round pick in 2010. In fact, to show you the lack of significance in the players acquired for Balkman, the second round pick was listed ahead of both Green and Jones in the press release. The Knicks can choose between the Nuggets' pick or the Clippers' pick (which the Nuggets also own) in 2010, whichever is the better position.
"The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that a 2010 second-round draft choice, guard Taurean Green and guard/forward Bobby Jones have been acquired from Denver for forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations."
This is a straight money deal. Clears a guaranteed contract off the ledger and gets a pick as part of the deal. Green and Jones were thrown in to make the money work. Denver looking for some defense, which is one area Balkman has shown he can play. But his offense is limited to effort baskets and put-backs with very little potential to be more than that and what's more concerning is his apparent lack of overall discipline and focus as a player.
He probably should have never been taken in the first round, but that said Isiah Thomas did very little to develop this kid. Perhaps George Karl can figure something out.
Balkman's future was in doubt once Danilo Gallinari was drafted. With Wilson Chandler and Gallinari, along with Jared Jeffries, Quentin Richardson, David Lee, etc., there wasn't going to be much room for Balkman to play. Isiah Thomas took him with a first-round pick in 2006 and the best the Knicks could get for him was a second-rounder, which tells you something. Balkman was never considered a first-round pick in that draft.
Fellow Fixer Jon Rothstein earlier today emailed this list of players who were picked after Balkman in that draft: Marcus Williams, Josh Boone, Jordan Farmar, Kyle Lowry, Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe, Steve Novak and Daniel Gibson.
I know this is nickel-and-dime, but keep in mind this is just one deal out of several things I'm told Donnie is trying to work on this summer. Some things work out quickly, like this deal, and the bigger contracts (i.e.: Zach Randolph) take time to make happen.
UPDATED 7:55 p.m.
I forgot to mention this, but the second round pick the Knicks picked up is the option to take either Denver's second round pick or the Clippers' pick, whichever is better. Coincidentally, in the Marcus Camby trade, the Nuggets got the right to swap picks with the Clippers in the second round of 2010 if the Clippers pick is higher.
So, yes, the Nuggets pretty much traded Marcus Camby for Renaldo Balkman.
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Comments (29)
I don't get this move. I'm no Balkman fan, but is saving $1.3M really such a big deal in the context of a $90M payroll? At least Balkman put in some effort on the defensive end. When are we going to hear news about Randolph being unloaded, or make a trade where we get back something interesting in return?
the report is:
The Nuggets traded seldom-used guards Taurean Green and Bobby Jones, as well as a future second rounder, in exchange for the 6-foot-8 Balkman and $575,000.
Couldn't we just buy a second rounder? $575k means we pay half Balks salary or we bought that pick. one or the other I don't like it.
Nooooooo!
Ok, he can't shoot and that hurts him in D'Antoni's offense. And he's taking time at SF where you have Wilson Chandler hopefully starting, and Gallinari hopefully getting a few minutes each night. But couldn't he have been saved as something to give away as an incentive for some other team to take guys like Randolph? This guy actually played hard, and was one of the few guys the fans cheered for. There must be more going on - because he found himself in Isiah's dog house, and he seems to have a few injury issues... What don't we know?
At least get a pick?
They must want to at least look at Green at PG? Right? I mean, unless they really hated Balkman, this move makes no sense to me. Clearing Balkman's contract does nothing for our cap in 2010. We could just let him play out his rookie contract. I don't like this trade unless we like Green or at least look at him. A second round pick?
And, yes, Isiah passing Marcus Williams for Balkman was the final straw of the Isiah era for me. I mean, Marcus didn't pan out as well as Rondo or even Lowry, but there were three high caliber PGs on the board and Isiah pooched that pick so badly. 2006 really did turn out to be a dud of a draft for Zeke.
Still upset over Anthony's draft night criticism after the Knicks selected the unheralded Balkman with the No. 20 pick, Thomas ripped his fellow former point guard Wednesday.
"This so-called former Knick, on draft night with millions of people watching, had the audacity to take me to task on a player that I'm pretty sure he had never seen before in his life," Thomas said. "But he stands on national television and talks about a kid he has absolutely no idea about. I'm just glad that all of New York doesn't think like Greg Anthony."
Thomas went on to question Anthony's credentials as a TV commentator, and even took a slap at his 12-year NBA playing career.
"Greg Anthony should never ever be in a position to question myself on anything about basketball," Thomas said. "I do remember the kind of player he was. I'll leave it at that.
Balkman, a 6-8 forward from South Carolina, has played well during New York's first three exhibition games. He had 11 points and seven boards in 16 minutes against the Nets in his debut, and had nine points, seven rebounds and two steals in 13 minutes in Tuesday night's exhibition win over the Celtics. His hustle and energy even won over the Madison Square Garden crowd, which gave him a rousing ovation as he left the floor.
With Balkman off to a good start, Thomas felt free to vent some of his pent-up anger.
"This is between Greg and I," Thomas said in a lengthy diatribe about Anthony to the media after the Knicks practice. "The things he said on draft night ... after all the good solid work we had done in the draft ... for him to take that position he took ... I thought he was way way way out of bounds."
Thomas , who was booed by the New York crowd and widely panned by other ESPN commentators on draft night, said he was singling out Anthony because of his status as a former Knicks player. He said he hadn't spoken to Anthony, but would love to in the future.
"I just thought he was very unfair to the Knicks organization," Thomas said. "It would be different had he not worn a Knick uniform. But for a guy who claims to have been a Knick, to treat the Knicks the way he treated us that night ... I know a Piston would never do that. A Celtic would never do that. A Laker would never do that. It wouldn't happen. It just goes to show you what we're dealing with."
Thomas went on to refer to Anthony several more times during the remainder of the 15-minute session with reporters, sometimes even on unrelated questions.
When asked whether he could see Balkman someday defending LeBron James or Tracy McGrady, Thomas replied, "Wait a minute, hold on now ... you can run him out there but he'll probably get stepped on a little bit ... Unlike Greg Anthony, I do have respect for others."
When asked about the Knicks' dismal season a year ago, and what role all the injuries played, Thomas said, "We all were in a funk last year ... Greg Anthony was in a funk."
Later, when talking about Balkman's ability to handle the ball, a reporter jokingly asked if he had a better handle than Greg Anthony. "Most definitely," Thomas said. "Greg could only go left."
Balkman was doomed once
Walsh hired D'antoni
he can't shoot
if you can't shoot
you can't play for D'antoni
plus Balkman has not developed
since he was drafted
and seemed to take a step back last year
does taureen green have any game?
now what's next on walsh's list?
Great job. Good move Donnie. You got a pick and a backup PG (a real pass-1st PG ) if we don't waive him going into training camp for a player that just didn't fit. I'll miss Balkman's toughness, energy, and the way he cheered for his teamates but for the future of the Knicks this was a very good move. Some Knick fans kill me, don't trade Balkman, don't trade Lee, don't trade Z-bo, when these are the same guys who couldn't win more than 35 games. Players for picks baby!!
Call me crazy but I think Balkman will do very well in Denver based on the way that team is built. Iverson and Carmello constantly get double-teamed and Kliza and Nene and Kmart get dunk after dunk by slashing to the basket, Balkman's forte. He also gets good rebounds off missed shots which their be plenty of in Denver. Good trade for both teams. To me Donnie is 2/5 for the Summer. Good moves trading Balkman and getting D'Antoni. Missed on passing on Bayless, signing Duhon, and not getting rid of Isiah. Still waiting to see what he does with Marburry and James.
Finally, a SF that was moveable gets moved. I liked the effort and energy, but he was NEVER going to hit the jumper (and I guess not learn an offense either).
Back down to 15 players, once these guys are released or is Green staying and Big Snacks going?
Slow and steady wins the race, I read that somewhere a long time ago...
Keepin' it Old School...
Renaldo Balkman is not an NBA talent player. He'll be out of the league after his Rookie contract is over. Good riddance to another Isiah Thomas draft bust.
Now cut Stephon Marbury PLEASE!
This begs the question - why did the Nuggets not trade Camby to NY for Renaldo Balkman? They got a second round pick for him which they don't even intend to keep - the Knicks can have that.
Camby would have been such a good addition to this team.
This begs the question - why did the Nuggets not trade Camby to NY for Renaldo Balkman? They got a second round pick for him which they don't even intend to keep - the Knicks can have that.
Camby would have been such a good addition to this team.
skot - that move wouldn't have worked salary-wise.
they were able to trade camby to la for peanuts cause the clips were under the cap. since the knicks and nuggetts are both over the cap, the salaries would have to match up.
Hey Alan or anybody who knows, people keep mentioning why we don't just buy picks. That is prohibited under league rules right? You have to trade a future pick, player, or rights to a player for a pick corect?
Knicks4Life - Not really sure about the rules for trading draft picks for cash. However I always wondered why the Knicks would never pull a cash for draft pick deal.
I know Portland and Phoenix always seems to be involved in cash for draft pick deals. Example last year the Suns sold their 24th pick for cash. Portland also swapped with Philly draft positions which also included cash.
Would like to know what the rules are for this also?
As far as Balkman nice young man, however the trade for a second rounder is at least a first step.
What's Rey gonna do with his tricked out orange and blue car that Alan had posted the video of a few blogs ago?
Maybe he could just let it fade in the sun till the blue turns a shade lighter and the orange turns yellow.
Ouch.
What will he do with the "Balkman Cruiser?"
Great move..keep moving the bodies..picks are great but i dont even care if we get those trace zach for a bag of combos..
Keeping 2010 alive
with some bulljive
I don't know what to think except there's 5 names ahead of Balkman that I would rather seen gone first!
Good Luck Balk....you'll always be a Knick,
Go kick some West coast Azz!
well the knick are down to 1 more player
then my knick fan career is done
an lee might be a goner soon
damn knicks
gotta give them credit for beening consistant with being the laugh of the nba
i can see the kincks winnin what i said they going to win
10-30 games trust me
lmao
gotta laugh cuz the kincks are a joke...
trading a hard working player on the court/to save 1.3 mil
i would trade gillanari but i know u aint gonna get nothin much for him only the knicks pick players like him
lmao
stay tuned for more KnowLedge
I'll miss the Taz. He was the life of the game when he was here. Bad trade. Should have let him playout the remaining year of his contract. Cap wise it's not going to save the day. We could have tried to find another way to get a second round pick.
Taz #32 R.I.P
Why are they still here?
Jerome James
Stephon Marbury
Zach Randolph
Eddie Curry - until these bums are out of here get ready for another losing season...
Mixed reviews at the Denver blog:
Classic stuff yeah-yeah. Please stick around...and keep shutting down the 'window'.
Good trade. Balkman will get minutes on our squad, and provide a ton of that 'Ryan Bowen', 'Najara' hi-energy hustle. This reminds me of the Eisley for Jr. Smith trade a few years ago. Our bench is really rounding out nicely.
Not to mention, RB actually has trade value around the league...if a trade came up that we liked, we could use our trade exception with RB...and we wouldn't be forced into moving Jr, LK.
I am kind shocked that the Knicks did this deal. Didn't Isiah draft Balkman like 10th? Then RB won over the Knicks fans...and now Walsh trades him for a couple of NBDLs? They cannot be happy.
lilone70 wrote:
Fuuny how much people DON'T know about basketball.
Yeah this guy's stats aren''t the best BUT
I do recall us losing the game to NY in NY last season because some unnamed guy shut down melo and again he refused to pass out of a double team.
Guess who that guy was? Yep, Renaldo balkman.
Fans have been asking for defense and the team tries to bring in some and just because you don't know, you think it's a bad move.
The only move I find questionable thus far is signing Dhantay Jones and resigning AC. Actually I like the Jones signing over the AC re-signing.
Anderson brings some of the hustle that we lost with Najera and Balkman is a big body that can play D. he also hustles and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
The team has become more defensive instead of offensive in the past few weeks. THAT is a good thing.
Now you don't have Camby battling AI and melo for shots, which leave more for the people who should be scoring.
The team looks to have brought MORE guys in who KNOW their role and are happy to play it, instead of guys who keep stepping outside of their roles.
This cuts down confusion.
Catalan on Today, 10:23 am
Good deal. What else do you want in exchange for two non-guaranteed contract players that su*cked in the Summer League
by cycole15 on Today, 9:46 am
hey balkman is a hustle guy we got rid of camby because of salary only but we were going to just cut these two anyways so we got a hustle guy in a return we'll do somethin just be patient
by yeayea
Not saying Balkman is an end all to problems BUT he plays D and he can run the floor. These are two important ingredients this team needs.
Green was garbage so he doesn't matter
Bobby Jones 6-7 215 lbs
on 1-18-08:
20 pts.
13 reb.
7 ast.
Career high:
26pts.
Jerome and Zach, see ya bye!
"we're in good hands now"
More from the DENVER BLOG
This is a decent deal. Both players would have been cut and will be cut by NY. In return we get a nice young "hustle" guy that Karl probably won't play anyway.
The next coach might be able to use him. And for the record this guy was projected as a power forward but is a bit small for that position. He can really fly and he will fight bigger guys for rebounds.
I think deals like this make it very possible that LK could be the bait to be used along with picks and maybe a guy like Chucky or AC for a center or a point guard, or both.
Don't be too surprised to see him gone soon.
Patrick Kelly
4:47 PM on Monday Jul 28
Balkman is actually a pretty good player. Tenacious on the defensive end. Also, we didn't get a second round pick for Camby, just the right to swap spots with the Clips in the second round if they pick higher. Plus the Nugs didn't really give up anyone of any consequence to get him. Personally, I like what they are doing this offseason.
artie
2:24 PM on Monday Jul 28
I second that... its a good deal... Bobby and green never would have played much anyway... we got a young guy that can help on D and can run with the team. Excellent Deal.
boris Hencic
Joined: Dec 24
Points: 452 Permanent link to this commentboris Hencic (aka bhencic) | 2:48 PM on Monday Jul 28
lets get out with the old and in with the new...some guys that will actually play D!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHOONS C
| 3:10 PM on Monday Jul 28
Nice.
David S
3:10 PM on Monday Jul 28
I have mixed emotions on this deal. I like Balkman's hustle, shot blocking and the way he runs the floor. He also shores up the second unit. But that being said, he's a small forward. How much time will he get behind Melo?
He's one of those hustle players you need. But it doesn't solve the Nuggets problem in the post.
Rollie Fingaz 3:38 PM on Monday Jul 28
AR - its easier said than done. I think the Knicks are cleaning house, and some guys are just easier to move than others.
Why not cut Collins and keep Green? Isn't Duhon the player we wish Mardy turned out to be? Give green a another year to bew a true back up. Good luck Balk.....
MEMO from Jim Dolan To Donnie Walsh, 07-28-08
Dear Donnie,
Remember in the press conferences ,
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
It's Renaldo Balkman- not Rolando Blackman
Keep repeating this so you'll be ready for the Media.
You realize that it was not Rolando Blackman
don't you Donnie? Just say no comment if you don't!
Thanks, ...JIm Dolan
I found this comment on another blog....LMAO
So let me get this straight. Isiah drafts Balkman in the first round , rejecting the notion he overreached by claiming Phoenix would have taken him if he didn't. Then the Suns coach comes here and gets rid of Balkman. Hmmmm. Wonder who would have gobbled up the Rooster had the Knicks passed on him. Maybe the Washington Generals?
the bottom line:
great move by clippers.
good move by knicks.
the denver gm is a moron, thank god he wasn't hired by the knicks.
Spanish club CAI Zaragoza is close to signing Knicks guard Taurean Green.
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm