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According to Marc Berman of the NY Post, Donnie Walsh is going to explore trade options for a backup
guard using the two trade options that he received from the Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins deals. Berman claims that the exception figures to be in the $1 million range, or in the minimum wage vicinity. Essentially we are talking about a player who is buried on another team’s bench that another team would be willing to give up for cap flexibility.
Truthfully, I am unsure on exactly how the trade exceptions work, especially considering that I do not know the full amount of the exception. But that said, I looked around the league to find guards in the $1 million dollar range that are not finding minutes with current teams. The best I could come up with are Marcus Williams (Golden State), Morris Almond (Utah), Shannon Brown (Charlotte), and Javaris Crittendon (Memphis). Obviously I would like to have Crittendon the most, as he has the length to play the 2 but is a pure point. I highly doubt that Memphis deals him for roster/ cap flexibility. Marcus Williams, if the numbers work out, would be a good fit. Williams is a point guard who I still believe has good talent and could thrive under D’Antoni. For the trade exception, why not give him a whirl? If Walsh decides that none of these options work, Smush Parker is hanging around in the D-League. While not an ideal point guard, he does have legit NBA starting experience. He also appears to be playing well in the D League so far this year. Just a thought.
I would love to get Marcus Williams here. Like you said, he’s got the passing ability and scoring potential that would thrive in the D’Antoni system. Another guy I would look at is Von Wafer on the Rockets. He’s a combo guard out of Florida State a few years back. Although he wouldn’t fill our need for a solid back up point guard, he is a far more potent scoring threat than Roberson.
A guy I like a lot is Travis Diener, currently on the Pacers bench. Like Duhon, he lacks athleticism, but has good passing vision and can knock down an open 3.
I thought about Diener too. I am not sure why I left him off the list. If his salary works, then he can be an option too.
The Knicks are most desparate for guard help, but if they plan to cut Marbury and Mobley retires, they might be better served to sign a D League guard such as Parker and then trade the exceptions for a big man, i.e. Sean Williams. However, they are desperate for guard help. Bringing in a guard to spell Duhon is imperative for this team.
If the Nets are unwilling to deal Williams for the flexibility, then Ryan Hollins from Charlotte could be an interesting option. He is young, long, and athletic. He would fit well into our defensive scheme and work well in an up-tempo offense.
I would be in favor of just trying guys out from the D-League. During the 2005 season, the Knicks started picking up and auditioning guys from the D-league and I believe Matt Barnes and Ime Udoka were among them. Both those guys have gone on to play important roles for good teams. There are definitely some hidden gems out there, who the Knicks could sign cheaply and possibly turn out to be like a Bruce Bowen for this team as they build for the future.
Arputter- I hear what you’re saying on that. Maybe Sims would be a good addition to this team for his shot-blocking ability.
What about good ole Frankie Williams? I know hes not too young, but he seems to be playing pretty well.
sign me up for marcus williams or crittenton
Bring back Marist legend and Hartford native Jared Jordan