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Berger: Lee’s a Goner

By Tommy Dee on Jun 30, 2009, 9:47 pm

Via Ken Berger:

“…David Lee‘s days in New York are effectively over, said a source who believes that agent Mark Bartelstein will find the Knicks‘ choking point and exceed it by a dollar in negotiations with Oklahoma City and/or Memphis. “It’s a tough loss for New York, but they don’t want to screw up their 2010 plan,” the person said. The money will be there for Lee, especially now that Boozer is off the market. The only reason for Lee to think twice is the added bang for the buck he’s gotten out of playing in New York. He won’t be a known commodity anymore in OKC or Memphis…”

Not buying this yet. We know the Grizz and the Thunder are the leaders, and the Pistons may be added to the mix.

We have learned that Lee is returning from a trip overseas and that he is en route.

Stay tuned….

62 Comments

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  1. Magik_Trick
    Jun 30, 2009, 9:55 pm at 9:55 pm #

    Just for confirmation, teams can only talk with FAs for now, right? And officially start the signing July 8th?

    And whats our ceiling for Lee? If a team offers 8.5, 9 mill, are we gonna match that? How much are we willing to pay him at max?

  2. EQ1217
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:00 pm at 10:00 pm #

    If OKC wants Lee then we should try to s & t for Harden or Green

    If we lose Lee without getting some sort of compensation it would be a bad blow for this team.

    I would really lose respect for Donnie if this happens, specially after the whole 5th pick debacle.

    • NYK FAN IN OZ
      Jun 30, 2009, 11:34 pm at 11:34 pm #

      It isn’t simply find a young player and do a sign and trade… cmon guys… salaries have to match up we know this… those guys you mentioned are on their rookie deals… and then if we throw in some players to make the monies match, who and what are we taking on? We know DW aint messin with payroll flexibility for 2010 which means we need an expiring.

      I aint buyin this report anyway… Lee will be here, nate’s the one who get’s moved for rubio… done and done.

  3. Mucha
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:13 pm at 10:13 pm #

    Is Jeff Green available?

    I mean Kevin Durant is a shooting forward and he’s obviously their franchise player. Jeff Green is a tweener who has to play the 4 because Kevin Durant is in the starting lineup, he’s clearly not a pure power forward (6.7 rebounds per game, 0.4 blocks per game). Now, adding David Lee wouldn’t sense if they plan to keep Jeff Green because a David Lee-Jeff Green frontcourt would be undersized and a complete liability defensively.

    Now are they willing to ship Jeff Green because Lee is a pure power forward – even if they have to pay more? It would be a nice deal.

  4. joeyballz
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm #

    Mucha
    I was going to comment on how Jeff Green doesnt make sense on our team unless we get rid of Chandler. Or how about using Jeff Green as trade bait in a potential Rubio deal? Do you think Green would be more enticing than Chandler? Actually could Green be a better prospect than Chandler overall?

    • EQ1217
      Jun 30, 2009, 10:28 pm at 10:28 pm #

      I would love Rubio here, but Green is one of the premier young F in the NBA, he just happens to play next to one of the best young F in the game.

      Green for Rubio & the Bobcat pick is more like it. Yes, Green is a much better prospect than Chandler.

  5. 3dsoul
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm #

    If we lose lee outright and get nothing in return, then we have more cap space for 2010. however, It would really really suck to lose him and get nothing in return aside for capspace. I will be really pissed if we dont get a good rebuilding piece in return for lee.

    If the knicks match any offer, then what? Trade him after the asking price just went up? It would make it alot harder to trade him at that point, so the knicks will end up letting him walk and get nothing in return. I didnt realize it until now, but this situation really sucks. the only hope we have is that lee just simply wont want to play any where else, or that somehow the knicks work a trade. Its not looking good.

  6. joeyballz
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm #

    One think that confuses me about the sign and trade is when do the two teams enter negotigations reagarding the sign and trade? For example, if OKC made an offer to Lee, do the Knicks and Thunder enter negotigations at that point, or would the Knicks have to match first. If the Knicks really thought that OKC wanted Lee at any cost would they match an offer of 10 million, just to take the chance that they would be able to trade them back to OKC. Or is that too risky of a move

    Can someone please clarify

    • BiggieSmalls
      Jun 30, 2009, 10:56 pm at 10:56 pm #

      teams start negotiations with the players now.

      Come July 9th teams can give a player an offer sheet and the original team has 7 days to either match it, say no thank you and let the player walk or negotiate a sign and trade with the other team.

      the S&T can only be with the offer sheet team.

      • KBT1615
        Jun 30, 2009, 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm #

        Thanks for clearing that up Biggie I was just getting ready to ask that.

  7. Chris Alvino
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:53 pm at 10:53 pm #

    I doubt they would give up Green for Lee. If so, then I think Lee is a goner. Green is a very good player.

  8. DaJoka
    Jun 30, 2009, 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm #

    Great points….I really don’t see any sign and trades that would work in our favor. The only contract the Grizzlies have coming off their books in time for next summer is Warrick…..and he only makes 3 milli per. If Lee signs a 9 or 10 million dollar extension….they would have to find another player to equal out to 50 percent of the 10 milli.
    For OKC…maybe we can ask for Earl Watson. He makes 6.6 milli. Maybe we can include a trade exception if it’s not within the 10 percent I’m really not sure how that works.
    Man this blows for the Knicks!!!

  9. Magik_Trick
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm #

    You’ve all lost faith, we still have a chance of signing him, and its possible for him to take less money to stay hear in NY, i mean, endorsements would make up for that, right?

    Ehh, who knows, possible, not probable..

  10. EQ1217
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:04 pm at 11:04 pm #

    I doubt that a team like OKC would give 10+ mil to Lee. Eventually they will have to pay for Westbrook, Durant, Green and/or Harden. They really can’t extend themselves that much on a player that would generally be considered their 4th if not eventually their 5th best player.

    Memphis on the other hand might actually give him 10+ mill. Besides Mayo & Gay, there really isnt that much talent there. Lee would be the third option on that team.

  11. Magik_Trick
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm #

    Thabeet & Lee would complement each other well, imo…still want him here in NY though

    Whos on the Griz roster that we can get in an S&T? They need a point just as bad as we do..

    • KBT1615
      Jun 30, 2009, 11:11 pm at 11:11 pm #

      I want Rudy now thanks to the guy that brought him up.

  12. CircleLimit4
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm #

    If OKC if interested I wanna to try to squeeze either DJ White or a 2010 draft pick from them.

  13. Chris Alvino
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:26 pm at 11:26 pm #

    Or? White does not equal a 2010 first rounder. If Lee goes to OKC, expect a couple of picks coming our way, including one of their first rounders next year.

    • CircleLimit4
      Jun 30, 2009, 11:34 pm at 11:34 pm #

      Don’t we have to take back an equal contract in an S&T? Watson, White and a multiple picks?

  14. Magik_Trick
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:26 pm at 11:26 pm #

    Is Detroit a possibility? ‘Sheed is leaving, and no way is Kwame Brown filling his void, so they might be interested..S&T for Will Bynum? Jason Maxiell? Dajuan Summers?

    But they’ll probably have Villanueva & Odom higher on their list..

  15. CircleLimit4
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:30 pm at 11:30 pm #

    I wouldn’t be surprised if this was Lee’s agent pulling a fast one. Lee’s camp is probably threatened by Jordan Hill and are trying to drum up support. Knicks might pounce on $8mil if they’re expecting a $10mil offer.

  16. Mucha
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:40 pm at 11:40 pm #

    It’s hard to find scenarios that are realistic A. talent-wise B. from a financial standpoint.

    David Lee, Cuttino Mobley an a 2nd round draft pick for Jeff Green, Earl Watson and Damien Wilkins? Is that realistic (I don’t think so)? Is a package even possible in a sign-and-trade deal?

    David Lee for Mike Conley and… who? There’s no match – maybe Quentin Richardson if we ship another player to make the numbers match (Jared Jeffries?) – by the way can we take him back this summer?

  17. Chris Alvino
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:40 pm at 11:40 pm #

    I do not know if we have to take back equal value if the other team is under the cap and signs him.

    NJ took back 3 first round picks for Kenyon Martin in 2004. No contracts because Denver was under the cap.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840674

    • EQ1217
      Jul 01, 2009, 12:19 am at 12:19 am #

      God job Chris withe Martin link. So basically we don’t need to take back any contracts since OKC is under the cap and can absorb his first year salary.

      Chris your right on Green probably not being available. Maybe sometime along the line of the Suns 2010 pick and BJ Mullens might work?

    • gordons18
      Jul 01, 2009, 1:09 am at 1:09 am #

      wow…i would take 3 first round picks for Lee, OKC has a ton of them to spare anyway. that might give us some ammunition to get a Rubio trade done as well.

  18. Cheech
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:44 pm at 11:44 pm #

    please resign lee. that is my comment. as stupid as it is. please resign him. thank you

    but no really. i hope he takes a small discount to stay here. cmon dave make all those good things i have said about u come thru. and show that u really want to be knick. wats 2-3 million between playing for the NEW YORK KNICKS than playing for memphis of okc…..

    • KBT1615
      Jun 30, 2009, 11:51 pm at 11:51 pm #

      Yea Im with cheech if we don’t get someone like Gay, RIP, or Rubio in return I want Lee back in a Knicks uniform.

  19. Mucha
    Jun 30, 2009, 11:47 pm at 11:47 pm #

    David Lee and Saer Sene for Earl Watson, Damien Wilkins and a 2010 (unprotected) first round draft pick?

    That would be a great deal – assuming that they are too young to reach the playoffs (but they are talented enough to make it with Houston and possibly Dallas falling). But I think the Grizzlies will be more aggressive, the Thunder need a defensive presence and a shot-blocker, David Lee’s not the type of player that they need in my opinion.

  20. Magik_Trick
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:03 am at 12:03 am #

    David Lee’s phone just rang

  21. Knicks4lyfe8
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:07 am at 12:07 am #

    freeagency has officially begun gentlemen.

    anyone got any good websites to check out to keep updated throughout the morning cuz im staying up. and idt the knicks blog is gunna be up monitoring every rumor.

  22. gilcher82
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:10 am at 12:10 am #

    lol, nothing is going to happen tonight boys

  23. KBT1615
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:11 am at 12:11 am #

    OK ITS 12:11 WHATS GOING ON…lol

  24. Knicks4lyfe8
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:13 am at 12:13 am #

    are u fricken serious…bro i just drank two redbulls and a cup of coffee for this crap.
    stuff better be happening

  25. Knicks4lyfe8
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:24 am at 12:24 am #

    yo tommy

    can u post some articles about whats going on bro.
    cause i cant find any lol.

    • KBT1615
      Jul 01, 2009, 12:32 am at 12:32 am #

      I mean really as soon as it struck 12:01 I started looking and no cigar…

  26. JR
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:37 am at 12:37 am #

    “There is contradicting scuttlebutt about the shopping of Toronto’s Chris Bosh, Miami’s Michael Beasley and New York’s David Lee – all of whom fit the Warriors’ needs in some capacity. The Warriors don’t discuss potential trades, but one of those types of moves is probably more likely than signing a free agent who matches the “veteran power forward who can also play some at the ’3′ ” that general manager Larry Riley covets.”

    from the san francisco chronicle….i dont think its possible for stephen curry to be had…any chance mucha’s boy anthony randolph and a pick for lee or is that too much? probably to much right?

    • Mucha
      Jul 01, 2009, 12:44 am at 12:44 am #

      You’d have to include a first round draft pick or Wilson Chandler to get Anthony Randolph alone (I’d definitely do that but there’s no match – they have no expiring contract except Morrow and Azabuike which is not enough financially).

      Anyways Don Nelson is not sleeping anymore.

    • KBT1615
      Jul 01, 2009, 12:44 am at 12:44 am #

      Ayye Michael Beasley. Go Get Him Donnie.

      • KBT1615
        Jul 01, 2009, 12:49 am at 12:49 am #

        and expect me to say this for every available young talented Player this offseason…

      • barnaby8787
        Jul 01, 2009, 12:50 am at 12:50 am #

        We have nothing to give them.

        • KBT1615
          Jul 01, 2009, 12:59 am at 12:59 am #

          Wow we are not the Mets we have plenty to give them.
          Lee and Hughes. Lee to play that 4 vacancy and Hughes to help the bench.
          Lee and Nate is a lil much for me.
          Lee and maybe JJ?

      • Mucha
        Jul 01, 2009, 12:52 am at 12:52 am #

        If Donnie gets him, then he’s the king of all kings. I don’t see it happening (maybe David Lee and Wilson Chandler for Michael Beasley and Mark Blount? Not enough…) but Michael Beasley under D’Antoni = Superstar status.

        • bob go knicks
          Jul 01, 2009, 2:47 pm at 2:47 pm #

          DONNIE doesnt seem to get anybody,you guys get pumped up as if DONNIE WALSH has gone out and gotten everyone we have pined for.he doesnt get anybody!we have dumped most of our team ,and do you know what we have to show for it?AL HARRINGTON and LARRY HUGHS!…CHRIST SAKES can you guys at least be somewhat realistic?

  27. Mucha
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:38 am at 12:38 am #

    So we don’t have to take back equal value in a sign-and-trade deal with the Thunder or the Grizzlies – right?

    Mike Conley or a 2010 first round draft pick (unprotected) are the best options in my opinion.

  28. barnaby8787
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:49 am at 12:49 am #

    In regards to the warriors, they have nothing to offer in a sign and trade because all of there fairly expensive contracts to balance out the trade have long years attached to them…in regards to the grizzlies, how about D.Lee for Greg Bruckner, Mike Conley, and Darrell Arthur? Not sure if they would give up two of there young key pieces for lee, but it would be a nice deal…worse comes to worse, we could throw in toney douglas if they wanted a point in return…

    • Mucha
      Jul 01, 2009, 12:54 am at 12:54 am #

      David Lee for Mike Conley = Nice.

      • barnaby8787
        Jul 01, 2009, 12:55 am at 12:55 am #

        Yeah, but salary wise, they are no where near each other…hence why buckner would need to be thrown in at the very least…darrell would be a nice piece to add as well…they’re are rumors that gasol’s gonna start the 4 and thabeet the 5, so maybe he’s expendable.

        • Magik_Trick
          Jul 01, 2009, 12:58 am at 12:58 am #

          There under the cap, salary doesnt matter in that situation

  29. CircleLimit4
    Jul 01, 2009, 12:57 am at 12:57 am #

    I’d still prefer Walsh try to weasel a class of 2008 rookie or a 2010 pick out of a Lee trade.

  30. Mucha
    Jul 01, 2009, 1:00 am at 1:00 am #

    1. David Lee for Mike Conley or a 2010 first round draft pick.

    2. Eddy Curry and Cuttino Mobley for Tracy McGrady.

    = Great summer.

  31. Magik_Trick
    Jul 01, 2009, 1:03 am at 1:03 am #

    I doubt the Griz would trade M.Conley, because..hes the only point guard on there roster..Lee would be an upgrade in there frontcourt, but they’d still need a PG to run things..

    OJ Mayo could do it, but then they;d have a hole at the 2G spot..

    3 draft picks, and they didnt attend there #1 need, wow..

    &Yes, I know Conleys not the only PG on the roster, but you wouldnt want to start Mike Wilks or Greg Buckner either…

    • Mucha
      Jul 01, 2009, 1:27 am at 1:27 am #

      Yeah but OJ Mayo would love to be a point guard – they’ll have enough money to sign Sessions or Miller if they want a PG anyways(correct me if I’m wrong)

  32. gilcher82
    Jul 01, 2009, 1:03 am at 1:03 am #

    first round draft pick is the best we can hope for IMO

  33. Magik_Trick
    Jul 01, 2009, 1:20 am at 1:20 am #

    LOL, 53 comments, and no one mentions Nate…wonder were he’ll end up..

    Could Nate be worth a 2010 first round pick?

    • NYK FAN IN OZ
      Jul 01, 2009, 4:36 am at 4:36 am #

      Comment by NYK FAN IN OZ

      “I aint buyin this report anyway… Lee will be here, nate’s the one who gets moved for rubio… done and done.”

      top of the page brother… :-P

      • bob go knicks
        Jul 01, 2009, 2:49 pm at 2:49 pm #

        your telling me ,the T-WOLVES sre gonna give us RICKY RUBIO for NATE ROBINSON ,when they could get NATE for free? gimme some of dem drugs yer doin

  34. Sergio
    Jul 01, 2009, 8:01 am at 8:01 am #

    Offer 4 years, $24M. Take it or leave it.

  35. bmathews77
    Jul 01, 2009, 9:12 am at 9:12 am #

    If the Knicks can unload Eddy Curry and/or Jared Jeffries they have a good shot at retaining David Lee.
    I’m telling ya, Eddy Curry and Cuttino Mobley for Tracy Mcgrady and Carl Landry would do the job. Rockets are in need of a center with the uncertainty of Yao and Mutumbo retired. Not to mention they want Tmac out of Houston. Mobley’s contract would give them cap relief too.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Lee ya later? | The Knicks FanBlog - Jul 01, 2009, 8:32 am

    [...] to Ken Berger (via The Knicks Blog), Lee really doesn’t intend to stay with the Knicks, with his agent set on finding the Knicks [...]

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