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TKB has learned through a league source that the Memphis Grizzlies are demanding a 
first round pick along with Zach Randolph in exchange for Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric. It is assumed that the pick will be conditional.
Walsh in return is asking for a young player, assuming either Javaris Crittenton, Kyle Lowery or Hakim Warrick or the best expiring contract (Antoine Walker) if he is to surrender a first round pick.
A source close to the situation has told TKB that Walsh is eager dump Randolph’s contract so he can immediately sign David Lee to an extension.
This isn’t the first time a team has held out for a first rounder, SI’s Ian Thomsen reported the Clippers wanted one in return for Z-Bo around the NBA draft and talks quickly stalled.
As we’ve said, this isn’t about deferred payments owed to Randolph, Walsh would pull the trigger on the deal if Walker is involved, but what isn’t clear is how Jaric and a third player would fit onto the Knicks already cluttered roster. This, along with rumors of an Allan Houston comeback, should be clear evidence that Walsh is ready to cut ties with Stephon Marbury, Jerome James and others.
Jaric, who we’ve learned has been in NY and working out with the Knicks all week, is owed 21.2 million over the next three years and can be seen as Walsh’s first contract past his target date of 2010, with Lee to follow. Clearly, Walsh believes he can keep Lee even if he adds Jaric’s salary.
Milicic told a Serbian newspaper he thinks there is a “99% chance” he’ll be a Knick by Friday.
So, in essence, the question becomes do the Grizzlies surrender a young player in exchange for the Knicks adding a first round pick, (which, again, is sure to be later rather than sooner as the Knicks will be forced to surrender a pick should they may the playoffs this year, or automatically next year, as part of said Marbury deal) or allow Walker and his $10 million dollar team option after this year, shimmy his way to the Garden?
Stay tuned.
For me, the deal that makes the most sense is:
Z-Bo
conditional 1st rounder
Malik Rose
For
Milicic
Walker
Crittenton or Lowry
“Oh, and we want a 1st round pick.”
I’m not sure I’d surrender a 1st round pick even if the Knicks got one of the young guards or Walker’s contract.
Though I’d pull the trigger if we got either one and sent a 2nd round pick.
Does Walker’s contract make it easier to dump James & Marbury so they can extend Lee? Or does that happen simply by dumping Z-Bo?
Getting very interesting . . .
I understand that Walker’s appeal is that he has a nice expiring contract, but after giving more thought to him, I think that he can be a nice piece in Coach Mike’s system. Granted, Walker’s success rests solely on his motivation to play, but with D’Antoni’s ability to get the most out of his players, maybe he can get Walker back on track.
At his peak, which probably ended when he left Boston for the second time, Walker was a good scoring forward and a big-time rebounder. Antoine was a 3 point shooter, albeit a frequent and streaky one, that could stretch defenses and pull opposing forwards/ centers out of the paint.
In Dallas, Walker realized his role on the team. He understood that he was one of many all-star talents, and thus accepted his role-player position. Much like Knicks fans forsee in Gallo, Walker was quite the “point-forward” in Dallas.
Last season, in a situation unsuited for a veteran like Walker, Antoine again understood the direction that the Wolves were going in and accepted his role on the bench behind a group of young players.
Antoine might not be a bad transitional player for the Knicks this season. His game (or at least his old game), while it used to drive me nuts, could work in the system that Coach D’Antoni figures to implement in NY. If given the option of Malik Rose or Antoine Walker being our 15th man and backup forward, I would have to take Antoine. If D’Antoni can get him motivated by allowing him to play a style of offense that he is accustomed to, then Walker might consider showing up to Skidmore in shape and be ready to contribute off of our bench. The Knicks can use a guy to shoot the three. If he gets into shape, Walker might be another threat for D’Antoni to throw out there.
Augmentin dosing….
Augmentin….