avatar

How Desperate are the Raptors?

by Tommy Dee on December 23rd, 2008 at 12:28 am

Before I get into this latest buzz courtesy of Sam Smith out in Chi-town, Smith hates us.

And by “us” I mean Knick fans. I had an email exchange last year with him where he admitted that he sometimes tries to needle Knick fans. It’s that whole 90s rivalry thing rearing it’s ugly head.

It’s hard for me to continue to trash Smith, he’s an accomplished writer, but when he admits to trying to get under the skin of NY fans, it tarnishes one’s credibility.

Anyway Smith, this morning (and thanks to gym rat eg1217 for the link) notes that Toronto GM Brian Colangelo is getting so desperate that he wants to move Jermaine O’Neal and what better landing spot than with Donnie Walsh in NY.

“…Bryan’s in a panic,” said one general manager. Toronto is said to be talking about various options, some of which could include the Bulls. One GM said he’s first been trying to unload the expiring deal of Anthony Parker, though that won’t yield much. Another GM says he’s now hearing the Raptors want to move Jermaine O’Neal. Good luck, I say, with O’Neal making $23 million next season. But here’s the thinking: O’Neal for Stephon Marbury, which is perhaps one reason the Knicks continue to hold onto Marbury.

I personally doubted this. My response when I heard this was, “Yeah, right, after Donnie Walsh spent two years trying to unload O’Neal.”

But this is the way it was explained to me: The Knicks get something for Marbury and O’Neal comes off, anyway, after next season, so it doesn’t affect the Knicks’ 2010 free agency plans. Here’s the big enchilada in it: Eddy Curry. The Raptors take Eddy, assuming he can play, which means it’s certainly another month to see if he’s healed and in condition. The Knicks get Eddy’s two years after this off the books, which is key for them, and if Eddy can play, the Raptors get a real big man to get the defense off Bosh. For three quarters anyway, as we know in Chicago.

Maybe the Knicks throw in a sweetener like David Lee, whom they may not be able to resign. The Knicks get Parker and maybe a draft pick and the rights to Jorge Garbojosa, who might want to play for Mike D’Antoni. Of course, the other side is if it makes the Knicks look too inviting, Bosh could go there. I personally don’t see it…”

Basically that’s Sammy’s way of saying get your blood boiling Knicks fans. Never say never to deals, logically this one works, but why would they want Curry? Why is it key for them to have his contract off the books in 2011 when he’s owed 21 million? O’Neal only costs you 23 for next year then he’s done. And remember, you have to SIGN Lee to the same 8 million that you’re paying Garbojosa and Parker, unless you let Lee walk, which makes no sense whatsoever. Plus, as Smith adds, Walsh and O’Neal ended on a sour note.

I can see Marbury for O’Neal, but any other pieces makes little to no sense.
  • Chris Alvino

    Before Walsh came into office, I threw out the idea of a Marbury/ Curry to the Pacers for O’Neal and Tinsley deal. The Pacers wanted both of them out of Indiana and we wanted both of our guys out of NY.

    If Donnie pulls off a Marbury for O’Neal swap, I will begin to consider him the GM of the year. Healthy or on one leg, O’Neal would be a major addition to this team. He is nearly impossible to trade for the same reason that Marbury is hard to deal: his gigantic contract. If the Raptors are floundering around the deadline, then this deal might work for them. To get 21 mill off their books would be enticing.

    If for nothing else, O’Neal will be able to provide an interior defensive threat. But something tells me that in NY, under the bright lights and under D’Antoni, he would do much more.

  • illsun

    Sam Smith is a sad old man who lost his job at the tribune becuase the ESPN trade machine replaced his gig.

  • Pingback: New York Knicks Eddy Curry Ready To Come Back | For the public, by The Public

  • illsun

    What are these pingback things.
    Can someone explain that to me.
    I see them alot.

  • chrischilds

    I’m pretty sure the pinbacks are links to other sites that referenced this particular knicksblog post.

  • gmoney45

    I think the key point in all this is you really would be getting something for nothing. Marbury= nothing and Oneal is at least a player. Plus i like it because then Marbury does not get to go where he wants to go, which is Miami i think, and if we can stick it to him in the process of adding talent, i am all for it.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    the above comments by Chris Childs are correct about Pingbacks…