robyg1974

I still can't help but think that we'll see Shawn Bradley end up in a Knicks uniform, and I still think that Kurt Thomas will end up being involved. Thomas is seemingly a more valuable commodity than Bradley, so I suspect that Dallas will have to bail New York out on Shandon Anderson, Howard Eisley, and/or Clarence Weatherspoon in order to get the deal done.

Here's an idea: Shawn Bradley, Tariq Abdul-Wahad (four years remaining), and Chris Mills (expiring contract) for Kurt Thomas, Howard Eisley (four years remaining), and Clarence Weatherspoon (three years remaining).

The Knicks get a center and replace two lousy longterm contracts (Eisley and Weatherspoon) with just one lousy longterm contract (Abdul-Wahad). New York can then either a) trade one or more of their multiple large expiring contracts (add Mills to a list that includes McDyess, Ward, and Travis Knight) for some good but overpaid players prior to the February trade deadline OR b) let these guys all walk next summer, thereby drastically reducing payroll.

The Mavs add a much-needed banger (Thomas) and a suddenly-necessary backup PG (Eisley), all they are giving up is Bradley here.

Let's say New York does this deal and refuses to trade any of their expiring contracts, thereby drastically reducing their 2004-05 payroll. Here, then, are the 2004-05 Knicks:

Starting lineup

PG Milos Vujanic (24 mpg)
SG Allan Houston (40 mpg)
SF Keith Van Horn (40 mpg)
PF Michael Sweetney (32 mpg)
C Shawn Bradley (32 mpg)

Key reserves: Frank Williams (24 mpg), Shandon Anderson (16 mpg), Othella Harrington (16 mpg), Maciej Lampe (16 mpg)

End of the bench (no PT): Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Michael Doleac, 2004 first round pick

Stashed on the IR: Slavko Vranes

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Roby G.