This James Wants to Come Home

Why wouldnt Washington — who is looking to cut payroll and reload — just buy him out and let him make his own deal?

rather than taking on 6.9 mil next year to have James go away for 1/2 season..

just saying. two sides to the trade.

I read the rockets in teh DN and Wiz were talking a McGrady for Caron Butler plus.

sry 4 the screwed up grammar — iphone and lack of caffeine.. that was Mitch Lawrence in the NYDN

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/01/30/2010-01-30_wizards_gilbert_arenas_nba_contract.html

*Goes to Church*

Washington is not taking Jeffries. I would rather get Toney Douglas some playing time than having James play. We are not making the playoffs. We need to get our youth playing time and I would try to trade Harrington, even for a bag of balls.

Biggie: I believe you got it exactly right. Why would the Wizards add 6.8 million to next years payroll. Makes no sense. Why talk trades that make sense only for the Knicks and not its trading partner?

All I know is this! Last year when Donnie had the chance to unload jeffries to sacremento he didnt do it, because we were in playoff contention. Now that we are out of contention, he can now focus on making some key moves before the deadline. We need more cap space and atleast a first round pick! That is now the priority of this team.

that deal was BS from what I hear…everyone in the media room talks about it. ESPN rumors.

But again, James is expiring and all they have to do is let him expire.

Let’s talk about what the teams need badly? Wizards need to trade Arenas. Knicks need to trade JJ and Curry. Numbers work. Why not make this deal. Knicks need a PG. Knicks will still have 27 million going into July 2010. Your thoughts?

Arenas has had three knee operations in two years and is “owed” 80 million over the next 4 years..

Not to mention he is facing some possible jail time. In this post plaxico burress environment do we REALLY need Gilbert Arenas, his weapons and hiw two gimpy knees for 80 million?

big pass.

No to Arenas.

Knucklehead
Chucker
Ballhog
No leadership skills
Contract worse than Curry and Jeffries combined

Knicks should only consider Arenas if his contract is voided and he can be got at a discount.

On another note, rookie PG Darren Collison had 17pts. 18 assists for the Hornets last night. Hopefully the Hornets see him as a viable replacement for CP3 and the knicks can sign him to a max contract in 2011. Something to keep an eye on.

“Arenas has had three knee operations in two years and is owed 80 million over the next 4 years. Not to mention he is facing some possible jail time . . .”

Sounds perfect-we’ll take him.

i dont even want him at the minimum.

He’s a ball dominant loose canon and not a difference maker.

Lets move on from that.

Fantasy trade: Trade JJ and EC for Arenas and then petition the league to void his contract. As I said last night, I listened to the Washington feed on knickstv and they seem to still love him in Washington.

Seriously though, I still believe that by the deadline, there is a chance that JJ will go to a contending team that wants to shore up its bench.

Question: Would Walsh be willing to do a two for one? I mean accept an expiring for for part of his salary and a contract that goes another year for, say, half of JJ’s contract? Most proposed “deals” here try to ship his entire slot away by packaging him with one of the Knick’s prospects.

Would trading him for an expiring and a player, and accepting that the Knick’s would have to live with a 3-3.5 million contract of a reasonable bench player be worth the effort? You can’t always get just what you want . . .

Thoughts?

Personally, I would only do that if the guy who we need to keep for 2010 is a contributor, not a guy who going to rot on the bench. At least JJ fills a need. And I like the sound of having 17mil in cap space for 2011.

man i hate ESPN…

why cant we buy out eddy curry for HALF his contract and the rest he’ll get in his new vet minimun contract and we’ll land him an endorsement deal with Subway.

Yeah but if Hornets are going to keep Collison I imagine they are going to trade Paul for a Kings ransom from say a Dallas or Orlando. No way they just let him walk.

Plus Paul is a better player than Collison. If anything increase Collison’s value and trade him for some help inside or a 2 guard.

Anything is welcome… JJ must leave, and others should be sacrificed if it’s necessary.
Personally, I would go after picks rather than expirings, so at least we don’t come completely empty handed during the summer -should the worst happen and he who must not be named stamps a huge no in DW’s useless forehead-. With picks at least you’re able to surround whoever is signed with young talent and you secure yourself safe and flexible cap years with cheap rookie contracts.
As for now, since there isn’t much noise going between actual trade possibilities with Knicks and any other teams, the obvious is to let Duhon rot in the mediocrity of the bench and give the reigns to Toney D. I’d actually feel better seeing a rookie making all the same moronic mistakes a veteran does. Hill has shown he can play more minutes, and god knows many of us don’t want chuckets taking more PT.
Whatever trade can be done to move JJ, it has to be done. Rebuilding means losing the old and bringing in the new. So, if new can be an expiring upgrade at PG (which, pretty much anything would be at this point), I”ll take it. But I’d move for picks….

i hear you, but If Collison continues to develop, he could be someone to consider as well. obviously, the Knicks should be monitoring any situation where teams may have a surplus of quality PGs given that this is a glaring need with this team. just a situation to keep an eye on.

Anyone who actually wants to come play here and be a Knick, I welcome. I’d be happy to have Mike James on the roster trying to help us out. (Yes; of course there are special exceptions, like if Arenas wanted to.)

Wait; you don’t want CP3? Or did I read that wrong? o_O

I agree that TD and Hill need to get substantial minutes. i want Duhon’s minutes way down in favor of TD and i don’t want to see Bender again unless there are injuries.

I don’t agree that we should trade any of the young guys just to dump JJ. That means Danillo, Chandler, TD, Hill. Even if we get a pick (assuming its from a playoff team, which is the only way a pick would be included). If we get real talent back, well thats another matter……….

Great thought, but picks don’t match salary. Bodies, or at least slots, still have to be exchanged and matched.

That is why I said “reasonable bench player.”

Getting partial relief for JJ’s salary and a buy-out of ECs last year for partial relief would help cap space.

If it is made clear to EC that he will sit next year regardles of his ability to play, would that entice him to take a buy-out?

thats collusion.

no arenas..

Chrs Paul is signed through 2012/13.

.he has a 17.8 mil player option that year.,

We all know who “the untouchables” are in DW’s list, so please don’t think I was making reference to those individuals. Their future remains to be seen, but I expect to see good things.
In terms of contracts and matching the money to make these deals happen, all you need are the players (s) you’re willing to move and capable management to make it happen.
Frankly, I haven’t thought up of any realistic scenarios because the thought came to my mind just at the beginning of january last as I realized this team isn’t playoff bound.
Getting real talent from a trade doesn’t look like a possibility due to our flawed roster, hence the picks alternative. At least you have the chance to make your decision as to the position and style of player you receive, as well as the chance to groom your rookie into the future any way you please, should you choose to keep him long term.

first round picks have a cap hold.

Two potential rosters for the Knicks “based in reality” (no star FA signings in the off season), and no one sided (I’m a GM, I smoke crack, and I have to have Eddie Curry and/or Jeffries on my roster before the trade deadline) fantasies, as well as a true course of action to rebuild with not only the frame work of “acquiring as much cap space as possible” and “7SOL basketball” but also Hard nosed tough players who can “and” are willing to represent our city! And if MD is too soft/European to get the team to play hard than I know NYC’s own Mark Jackson can fill those shoes. Or at least I would be willing to give him a try!

Roster (1):

C- Dwayne Jones (signed as a FA/NBA minimum) PF- Nick Collison (traded for Dlee and a 1st rd pick) SF- Gallo G- Lance Stephenson (drafted with the 1st rd pick from Seattle) PG- Curtis Jerrells (signed as a FA/NBA minimum)

Reserves: N8/Sharron Collins (2nd rd pick) TD Anthony Mason Jr. (signed as a FA) IllWill J Hill J Bender EC/Josh Boone (free agent signing)

Roster (2):

C- Dwayne Jones (signed as a FA/NBA minimum) PF- Nick Collison (traded for Dlee and a 1st rd pick) SF- Gallo G- Mike Miller (signed as a FA) PG- Armon Johnson (drafted with the 1st rd pick from Seattle)

Reserves:

N8/Sharron Collins (2nd rd pick) TD Anthony Mason Jr. IllWill J Hill J Bender EC/Josh Boone (free agent signing)

“based in reality”

Lee can veto trades so he’s not going to Seattle, er, OKC.

As much as many of us miss the old days of playing bruising defense in the paint, I’m not sure that it is really possible to play that way, given various rule changes.

Players have become untouchable via the rules when driving. Height and position seem to be the only way to defend the paint now. The league wants scoring, and bruising defense gets players flagrants and sent to the bench.

Just my perceptions, of course.

LOL

I read that Arenas can’t have his contract voided because he can not be punished by the team and the league on the same incident. the last thing we need is another alan houston. 80 mill left on his contract R you NUTS!!! he is also a head case. He comes to NY he will most likely shoot himself.

no way they trade paul. if anything they let paul mentor collison and then trade paul down the line, but no chance they trade him anytime soon.

I wouldn’t mind Mike James. Honestly how could this hurt? I’m getting tired of Duhon’s fat ass running this team. He should have known better then to come into this season out of shape.

We needed another PG and sadly we have no other ones. Sorry reality is Hughes, Nate, Douglas can’t play PG.

its not 17 million of capspace in 2011. you are forgetting raises to chandler, gallo, douglas, hill, etc…..

Biggie: I know if you had a better idea you would express it. Eighty million is chump change to Jim Dolan. What if he is healthy and gives you four all star years because he has something to prove? Just an opinion.

I’m not talking about having a roster of “flagrant foulers”, but just hard nosed, in your face type players whith “heart” and those who “take pride” in defending there court. TD is the type of hard nosed type of player i’m talking about

any idea is better than Gilbert Arenas.. He makes 20 mil a year.. that is near 40% of a 54 iml cap..

its not about Dolan affording it. if we are getting under the cap we have to play by the rules… if you suggest we maintain a 90 mil payroll and trade out our expirings and not be in teh F/A market this year then that is another thing..

But given Arena’s injry history i wouldnt take that chance.

we already have two duplicate copies of mike james’ in N8 and tony d. I rather have jason williams of orlando. He can run an offense and score if needed.

Anybody remember 1999 when the Knicks lost to Dallas in the finals. The “head case ball hog nut case, etc” was a guy named Latrell Sprewell. Arenas mad a bad mistake but he still knows how to play basketball better than anyone on this Knicks team. Plus I don’t think ew Orleans is very anxious to give their star away anytime soon. Don’t think what is good for the Knicks. Think “what is a possible trade for both sides”

Spree was due 21 mil over three years back then (10 years ago) .. and he had zero injury history..

Arenas is due 80 mil over 4 years and has had three major knee operations in 2 years.

apples and oranges?

I’m not talking about “flagrant fouler” players, but I am talking about how the whistles blow these days.

i like TD too, but the jury is still out on whether he can play big minutes with his style of defense and stay on the floor playing that way. he also has to prove that he can be effective in both orchestration and personal offense over extended time game to game.

When you look at the role free throws play in deciding wins and loses, it becomes important to stay out of the penalty as long as possible. that’s why I believe the good old Knick days aren’t really possible any longer.

Again, the rule changes have changed the nature of defense.

Yup, and the Kinicks had other pieces in place back then rather than “potential question marks” as they have now.

They don’t need Arenas blowing out a knee in training camp and sitting next to Curry for the season.

The Knicks need a legit center and two guard as well as a point guard. Can’t blow the wad for how many years on an injury-prone headcase.

Spree was a great player and I don’t remember him being a ball hog at all. Plus he was a tenacious defender and more importantly NOT the point guard. When your PG is a ball hog that is a big problem (see Marbury).

We played Dallas in the finals? Really where was I. I remember playing San Antonio without Patrick Ewing and Marcus Camby sister being assaulted. Also remember playing Houston in 1994. Don’t remember playing Dallas but my memory is shaky lately.

there is no way donnie takes arena with his contract and history of injuries. this isnt even a discussion. he wouldnt even take a chance on an up and coming pg in sessions, do you honestly think he will take 20 million per for four years… hell no. arenas is way overrated imo anyway. NO to arenas.

getting arenas is a thomas move…. donnie is in charge now.

Biggie: Last try: Arenas makes 16.1. Curry and JJ make about that. Until the 2011/2012 season, Arenas is costing the same as JJ and Curry. Meantime we have 20 something million to spend on free agents for the 2010/2011 or the 2011/2012 season. Some superstar should be available one of those seasons. I am not suggesting a 90 million dollar payroll like Boston, Orlando, Dallas or LAL but how long do you want to stay under the cap??

Arenas is a bad fit right now for this Knicks team. Though with a voided contract and arenas re-upped at say 7mil. for 3 yrs., and a dominate playmaker in place ie. LBJ (though LBJ would have to not only sign off on it happening but request the Knicks bring in Arenas as the second star), if all those pieces fall in to place than thats the only way i could see Arenas ever landing in/playing for the Knicks!

fyi, they lost to the spurs. Any Knick fan–young or old–knows that. Secondly, if it weren’r for Spree, they probably wouldn’t have made it to the Finals. Just because he had an episode when he was with the Warriors doesn’t mean that he was a headcase in NY.

Arenas has 4 years $80 million left on his contract.

I’d much rather have a max player in 2010 and enough capspace to sign another All-Star in 2011 / to trade for an All-Star.

Forget about it joe, I mean seriously…

Arenas is still just 28, having just turned 28. From my perspective i would say he is a little better than SCurry, but not as good as Monta Ellis. But again without a dominate ball controling playmaker i wouldn’t touch him!

Your absolutely right. It was San Antonio not Dallas that won in 1999. I was simply giving an example of a formerly troubled player who went on to help the Knicks. Arenas is the only way that I see to move JJ and Curry. Failure to move JJ and Curry means too little cap space to make a difference in 2010. Simple as that.

That is why “management must be trusted” to choose wisely, right? Besides, we know stories about good players coming out from 2nd round as well.

james is an instant upgrade.

but the knicks are not going to get him the knicks isn’t getting anything
unless they trade lee chandler or gallo
thats reality..

monta is top 5 guards playing rite now

mayb top 3

“getting arenas is a thomas move…. donnie is in charge now.”

Getting Duhon is a “Donnie” move.

Mucha: I’ll forget about Arenas when Donnie Walsh trades JJ for an expiring contract. If that trade doesn’t happen we will be looking at next season with JJ and Curry and nothing but the rookies. Next season could be harder to stomach than this season. When does the pain stop?

Yes but enough capsapce to make a difference in 2011.

Forget about it, Arenas is not a good fit and never will be.

His contract expires this summer. Not a big deal.

This is a joke right.

curry and jeffires expire next year.the only thing they need to be moved is capspace.arenas does not provide that.that’s just not a smart move.

na thats real talk

can u name 5 better guards than him?

an i’m not talking bout more assist
overall game..

let me what u come up with.
as of rite now..

goodluck buddy..

I think anybody would be a help this year. I wouldn’t mind having a PG that could score.

“monta is top 5 guards playing rite now
mayb top 3″

Point Guards:

Chris Paul
Deron WIlliams
Rajon Rondo
Tony Parker
Russell Westbrook
Tyreke Evans
Brandon Jennings (only because I think he’s more of a pure point)

Shooting Guards:

Kobe Bryant
Brandon Roy
Dwayne Wade
Joe Johnson

Not sure if you meant only point guards or just guards in general, but I would rank any of the above (in no particular order) before Ellis.

“Not a big deal.”

Should be Walshie’s middle name.

Donnie “Not a big deal.” Walsh.

Has a nice ring to it.

Not a “championship” ring though.

i agree that most of the players you have listed are “better” than ellis, but the bottom line is ellis is damn good. the numbers don’t lie.

And there’s definitely more I left out because of age, being unproven or durability issues.

as of rite now

the only player better than ellis is wade an kobe

some guys just happen to be playing on winning teams.
rondo is better than him defensively but not overall.

i guess u don’t know his numbers
his only downfall is his turnovers.

i have watch alot of g.s games ellis is living up to his contract so far..

once again top 3 guards in the league rite now…

“i agree that most of the players you have listed are “better” than ellis, but the bottom line is ellis is damn good. the numbers don’t lie.”

No doubt about that. I like Ellis, I wouldn’t mind him here maybe minus that behemoth contract but the point is he’s nowhere near top 3 OR 5.

“his only downfall is his turnovers.”

That doesn’t factor into being top guards in the league now?

yeah agree. he is no where near top 5. it will be interesting to see what golden state will do if they land the number 1 pick…. id love ellis here.

I like Ellis too, but top 3 is a stretch of Reed Richards proportions.

u gotta face the facts
ellis is better than every1 u listed but wade an kobe

come on now has.
an on that list u got alot of good players
like d.will cp3 rondo roy

but rite now they are not better than ellis.
for a guy that was picked 45 or something like that
there is no competition…

forgot Rose

the system he plays in kinda helps his pts per game

Knicks lost to San Antonio, not Dallas. FYI

Brandon Jennings better than Monta Ellis?

Because he’s the guy the Knicks passed on?

This scenario will never happen. Like everyone has said before Washington will not bring on more cap space when right now they are attempting to clean house. Why bring in Jared Giraffries and his 6.7mil contract just to get rid of Mike james. Washington will keep James because he is an expiring contract, and we will be stuck with Jeffries because he sucks. I honestly dont think we have a chance of getting rid of Jeffries, and definitely not Curry this season.

We will have enough money this summer to sign a Max FA, and maybe another good player, then the season after that we will have enough to get another good FA. Lets just stay where we are and go along with the plan. Im still hurting from the 50 pt loss to Dallas!

Bryant, Wade, Johnson, Roy, Paul and Williams are definitely better than Ellis. It’s a toss-up between Rose and Ellis in my opinion even though Rose’s game is more efficient and more “conductive to winning”. Rose is better in my opinion.

But I love Monta Ellis, he’s electrifying. And Stephen Curry’s a baller.

Face palm

Where he was picked in the draft only makes his “story” more cool, but does it make him a better player. No.

He might just be your favorite player. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s better than anyone on the Knicks right now, obviously.

“Brandon Jennings better than Monta Ellis?
Because he’s the guy the Knicks passed on?”

Nah, I just think Jennings has the potential to make the players around him better. That will have to be revisited in a year or 2 obviously, but undersized shooting guards are a dime a dozen.

BJ has shown he has good court vision and playmaking ability, once he gets some people around him to make plays FOR we’ll really get to see what he’s made of.

“Undersized shooting guards” is in reference to Monta Ellis.

If you think he’s better than Joe Johnson then he’s a bargain at his current contract. The Knicks should do anything in order to get him in that case.

That’s not my feeling I’m just stating that for perspective.

Your hand smells funny. Blegh.

The jury will be out until he is given the time to prove it. Now would be as good as time as any, since we have an eternal veteran backup pg who is, if possible, having the worst year of his career (how bad has his career been then?).
Old school D isn’t frowned upon (although that is a very, very relative perspective nowadays, since refs get dumber and dumber), you just don’t get to see it as much because of the speed and athleticism that the game has gained in the past 30 years. This sport just lives in different times, with stronger and faster players. D today is based on being able to stay in front of your man, being able to withstand his strength and speed. Basically, being able, at all times, to be stronger, faster and smarter than your opponent to impede him to do his labor on the court, whether it is a winning shot, assist, block, etc, etc. That is why it is so important to be able to read both offensive and defensive movements.
Toney D has shown he can be an “in your face” type of a defender, but he hasn’t proven to lead a team. For that, he needs more minutes.

How great is this website? An article about Mike James being possibly available generates almost 90 responses. Gotta love it.

I’ll bet “Lakersblog.com” doesn’t generate this type of passion.

“Anybody remember 1999 when the Knicks lost to Dallas in the finals”.

My, my… Either I’m suffering from horrible case of senile memory loss or you’re mistaken, since in 99 we played San Antonio. Knicks 101 for dummies.
Spree was a great all around player, despite his irregular season, he brought it in the playoffs and really assumed his role as a constant scorer and great defender in a great group. Complete, complete player. Very worth it.
Arenas sucks, period. He’s still better than the walking turd we presently have taking the ball at half a mile per hour upcourt and wasting three’s, but at that ridiculous price I’d rather have Toney D making those same ridiculous mistakes. Sooner or later DW will have to do something to get a PG, he can’t be as dumb as he’s starting to look.
I constantly read about Chris Paul. If anything, in 3 years he could be a possibility. NO is not letting go of him, and if they do, they will want significantly more decent pieces than what this team has to offer, because the only things that could interest NO’s management, DW is too stubborn to lose.

monta at near 12 or joe johnson at 15 plus…… joe johnson is obviousally the better player, but he is four years older. what would it take to even get ellis? i think it all depends what pick golden state gets. i mean if they get the number one, ellis becomes expendable…. you could argue he is already expendable. donnie will have options.

lmao!

You’re right on the money boots!

The last thing the Knicks need is ball hogging guard who don’t take his job that seriously and losing isn’t that big of a deal with him.

Nice scenario.

Things will get REALLY interesting if the Warriors or the TImberwolves win the lottery. Unless they go Chris Webber/Penny Hardaway and trade down for another player + 100 picks.

lol

Other than the age factor I would still take Johnson, at 6’7″ he has better “point guard skills” than Ellis and he can score in more ways. Better shooter, passer, defender and he can go down into the post.

Sorry Joe, but I think Arenas would blow a hole in that trade proposal anyway.

Besides, free agent point guard Javaris Crittenton will be available on the cheap, this summer.

rose isn’t close to ellis.
rose might be on a better team but individual monta is better.

lmao.
stats don’t lie
ellis is top 3 guards rite now.

those are the facts.

better check his numbers an watch some games.

don’t have a favorite player but i respect talent
monta has just been in a tear this year..

lmao

u do know whats better rite has

jennings is a nice player
but no where near ellis.

as for setting him players better
1 2 assist differences

come on now has

check the stats name.

an he’s coming off an injury an is tearing it up..

Arenas would be a fine drawing card to attract players like LBJ, Bosh, Wade, JJo etc.. ‘He guys, we have a new pg for you, Gilbert Ar’…..SLAM!

Arenas is the most selfish, shoot-first, no-d, guard in the league. He shoots well but has no court vision and, despite his prowess with the pistol, is no floor general. He lacks IQ on the basketball court and in the lockerroom.

There is a reason he is known as agent Zero (hint: it has nothing to do with his number).

* that’s “hey guys,”

johnson first 2 years with the hawks won
26 an then the next year 30 games

u need a better team to win

johnson is bigger but rite now not better..

Dino: Also the possibility that the cap will be far higher than this years’ cap. It could be 20M, even with escalators.

I do think that Walsh would take a usable player with a smaller cap hit and an expiring for JJ. You still get extra space in 2010. You’re going to have to fill your roster with players any way.

BTW Boots, if you heard that Arenas is still loved in DC, the feed most have been broadcast from inside congress. Everyone knows those people are out of touch.

All those bloody chickens strewn around Zero’s lawn would tell a different story.

Who cares about collusion. We’ll just buy off Sterne too. lol

If you lived in LA there’s a very good chance your ass wouldn’t be on a computer.

Substitute Nash and Billups for Jennings and Evans. We are talking about right now. Rose is better than both any way.

I would put Parker and Westbrook as a toss-up with Ellis.

Monta’s top 10, but not top 5…at the moment.

Ellis is the better value. His salary is11M per for the next 4 seasons. That’s a great deal.

Johnson is a better defender than Ellis, but Ellis is quite good. I’ve been working out in SF for the last 2+ weeks and have had a better chance to observe him. He will thrive even more away from Nellie.

I don’t agree that Johnson is the better distributor and they are both top quality shooters.

Johnson has height, Ellis has age.

Both at $25M combined per, would be nice.

Haven’t we been here before?

I forgot we were supposed to be talking about Mike James.

What a waste.

Tried that. Doesn’t work.

He’s not a Knick fan.

“check the stats name.”

Check who Monta plays with and who Jennings plays with. It’s not even close.We’ll just have to agree to disagree.

He may be on a tear but his team is 13-33.

Don’t get me wrong holmes I like Ellis and I would trade just about anyone on the Knicks for him. I just don’t like his contract or his bad knee.

They average nearly the same in assists and Monta plays more minutes, plus Joe isn’t the primary point guard on the Hawks.

You’re right about that!