Harrington for Curry: Consider This

by Tommy Dee on October 30th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

ESPN’s Chris Sheridan is reporting there have been discussions of a possible deal that would bring Al Harrington to NY in exchange for Eddy Curry.

He notes, however, that the Warriors are asking for a package including David Lee.

“…The Knicks are one of several teams that have contacted the Golden State Warriors about disgruntled forward Al Harrington, though the Warriors are said to be more interested in a package built around David Lee (16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists against the Heat).

One source told ESPN.com that Golden State’s best offers were coming from two Western Conference rivals, but that management would prefer to ship him to the East. A straight up Curry-for-Harrington deal would appear to fill needs for both clubs, although Golden State would be taking on an extra year of salary and making a risky investment in a player viewed by many around the league as too undriven emotionally to ever be an impact player on a contending team…”

You know how we feel about Harrington. Yes, he’s moody but he’s the prototype inside-outside D’Antoni big man. That said, I don’t think Curry gets it done straight up, but stranger things have happened.

Curry, who two years ago was a force on the blocks, would fit a great need, as would the addition of say, Mardy Collins.

The Warriors will ask for a ton, but trades like this have happened where disgruntled players get moved in a change of scenery type deal. Like the saying goes “timing is everything.” But, before anyone gets too excited, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Obviously, the Donnie Walsh/Harrington connection, and the New York connection between Walsh and Chris Mullin. But remember, Don Nelson didn’t exactly enjoy his brief stay here (35-24 in 95-96), so you can bet a deal will be difficult to swing if he has any say. Nellie does love big guys and Curry teamed with Andres Biedrins would be an interesting and possibly very effective tandem. Curry would allow Nelson to bring the talented Brandan Wright along slowly.

The question becomes how long can the Warriors take Harrington’s demands, and how willing are they to eat Curry’s final year?

Again, it may take adding, say, Nate Robinson (the Warriors would have to add a player to make it work) so you have to ask yourself, how badly do you wish to bring in a talented, yet moody, big man who would add great cap relief, in addition to unloading Curry?
  • theghostofwillisreed

    i say no dice. not giving up nate and i’m not giving up lee right now. the knicks need them both. give them marbury too but not the young guys.

  • G_Lunt

    Curry and Robinson for Harrington and Marcus Williams?

    Williams is their 3rd string point guard and from having watched him play at UConn and with the Nets, this kid can play when given minutes. He may not be as good a scorer as Robinson, but he’s a pass first point guard which is not necessarily a bad thing in this system.

    Good trade for the Knicks in the sense they trade 2 years of Curry for 1 of Harrington and while Robinson and Williams both have 1 year left, Williams is owed almost a million less than Nate.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Man, I’d really have to think about that one…I think I do it.

  • G_Lunt

    Oops, didn’t see your response. I just e-mailed you with the thought expanded a bit.

  • Deadpanwalking

    I’d be willing to do a LOT of things to get rid of Curry. Harrington is definitely a butt-munch but he’s a butt-munch with game. Also, never underestimate the sky-high happiness level of players who get to play for D’Antoni. Hmmm … I like G_Lunt’s scenario. I like Robinson, but I wouldn’t have any serious regrets if he was gone.

  • Adam L

    I like that Curry/Collins for Harrington scnario. Would that work?

    I am one of the few people left in this city that is not entirely down on Curry. I just think he needs a blocking and rebounding big man next to him that doesn’t want the ball in the post. Chicago had the perfect Curry supplement in Tyson Chandler, but they blew that up too early. Now Biedrins is exactly that man! I think Curry could thrive there and I feel like GS should be excited about that duo.

    As for Harrington in the D’Antoni system, its a no-brainer. However, I would like to see hime pay his dues and ride the pine like Curry was for a while. Let Chandler and Danilo keep the minutes, and let STEPHON get those Mardy minutes.

    By the way, with that extra roster spot opening up, welcome back Pat Jr!!!

    I love it!

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Lot of working parts here fellas…I think this has some legs.

    Great job by Greg
    Remember they’re not sold on Nate’s future here and he’s worth 6-7million per. Marcus williams could go bye-bye next year and they could draft another guard or sign one via MLE.

    Is it why the kept Roberson around? Hmmmm.

  • http://www.counterpunch.com/ krumbledkookie

    I’m also not totally down on Curry, cuz he’s got loads of talent… what Adam L said above makes sense.

    I’d hate to see Nate go because I think he can really grow and mature in D’Antoni’s system, and a mature Nate could really be a force in this league.

    That said, I dig Harrington’s game and he would be a perfect fit here. Not sure what I would do, but I don’t trade David Lee, and I do everything possible to hold onto Nate.