That broad goal could dictate dozens of decisions in the coming months, and could have major consequences for several players — David Lee and Nate Robinson in particular.
As first-round picks in 2005, Lee and Robinson are each eligible for lucrative contract extensions this summer. Without the extensions, each would become a restricted free agent in 2009 and, potentially, an unrestricted free agent in 2010.
So one of Walsh’s first critical decisions is whether to lock up the Knicks’ best young prospects at the expense of cap space in 2010. The players and their agents are watching intently.
“Donnie’s got to do what he thinks is best for the Knicks,” said Lee’s agent, Mark Bartelstein.But, Bartelstein noted: “The reason why you try to create cap space is to try to get really good young players. I don’t know how much better you’re going to get than David Lee.”
Lee, who is averaging 10.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, has improved every year and is probably the Knicks’ most coveted player around the league. One rival agent, citing Lee’s talent, upside and popularity, suggested he could seek a maximum contract — in the range of $13 million a season. The agent did not want to be identified talking about a player who was not his client.
To keep Lee and Robinson and still get under the cap in two years, the Knicks would have to trade Randolph or Curry, possibly both.
For now, the Knicks have four players — Curry, Randolph, Jamal Crawford and Jared Jeffries — signed through 2010-11, at a total of $45.6 million. The salary cap is unknown, but based on recent figures could be around $60 million. But the Knicks will have to sign at least eight players to fill out the roster. They will have to add the contracts of a lottery pick this June and another first-round pick in 2009. The cap space will disappear quickly.
Crawford is also eligible for an extension this summer and is expected to seek it. He can opt out of his deal in 2009.
Walsh will also have to decide whether to offer extensions next year to the Knicks’ 2006 draft picks, Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins, and whether to pick up the option on Wilson Chandler, their first-round pick in 2007. Based on their rookie contracts, those three could make a combined $8 million in 2010-11.
In any case, it seems certain that Walsh will let four veterans leave as their contracts expire: Stephon Marbury and Malik Rose in 2009, and Quentin Richardson and Jerome James in 2010. Because teams have to balance salaries in making a trade, dealing any of them could jeopardize the Knicks’ cap space.
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I really like both of those guys, but there role players. i'm sorry but 10/9 guys aren't worth max money. I mean come on, David Lee is a hustle and heart kind of guy. In 30 minutes of playing time he gets 10pts. You can't win a championship with that. He's an outstanding back up, a guy who can fill in for your starting 4 in periods of injury, and he belongs in your 8 man rotation. But NO WAY IN HELL he is a max player.
Max salaries should be saved for the dynamic duo whos going to win you a championship.
Would knicks fans do this if they got the offer. If someone had the cap space to absorb Curry's salary (and didn't really want him), would you trade a late lotto pick and expiring contracts for Curry, Lee and Robinson. based on talent your getting ripped off, but you have to view getting rid of curry as addition by subtraction. If this team is going to be turned around you have to dump salary and start over.
also, you have to remember a different agent said David Lee is worth that money. He's trying to drive up the cost. The more a 10/9 guy gets paid, the more he can ask for, for his guys. He's giving the market a kick in the ***.
He is not worth the max..period. Secondly, asking for the max is where negotiations start. What would you expect him to ask for to start? Thirdly, if anyone hasn't noticed, Lee has not hit his ceiling yet. As the article said, he is a very coveted player and teams to not covet bench players. Lee is absolutely capable of averaging 15 and 10...plus a couple of assists and assorted steals and the occasional block. He always plays hard and is a good influence on his teammates. Max player? Nope, but a helluva lot better player than you guys give him credit for. For 10 million, who's a better option?
If he wants 13 million.. it would be best for us to trade Randolph or Curry with Lee's current contract now and get an expiring contract with a first round pick.
Danny Ferry's pretty desperate these days. I bet you could unload Bootsy Randolph on him for expirings and a first.
Speaking of Boots Randolph (the composer of Yakety Sax, aka The Benny Hill theme song), here's a personal favourite use of his music.
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My favorite NBA players: Kobe Bryant * Carmelo Anthony * Ben Gordon * Deron Williams * Joe Johnson * Kevin Martin * Tim Duncan * Kyle Lowry * Thad Young * Amare Stoudemire * Dwight Howard * Josh Smith * Brandon Roy * LaMarcus Aldridge * Rudy Gay * Al Horford * Brandan Wright * Craig Smith * Renaldo Balkman
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I wouldn't even do 8-9 million, just because that will eventually be 13 mil or so after raises.
6-7 mil sounds right, but we don't have a franchise guy. You can't be throwing money around at supporting cast without having a centerpiece IMO.
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Quote:
TJ Ford found his way back into the Raptors starting lineup, after presenting coach Sam Mitchell with a industrial-sized case of S-Curl texturizer. Jose Calderon came with Nu Nile, after being purposely misinformed by a giggling Anthony Parker.
Gordon and Deng's strategy during contract negotiations should consist only of a picture of Kirk Hinrich and repeated utterances of the following: "C'mon, man! The ****!?!?" Paxon would crack.
So, they're gonna miss the playoffs WITH Iverson? Listen, people, it's time you reevaluate just how good Iverson is and what he brings to a team.
Also the article says that he has improved every year, that is not true because he did not this season. He is worth 6-7 million, but that's it.
glorified rebounder??? You mean glorified hustle guy, rebounder, hard worker, and can finsih around the rim with the best of them. yeaaahhh goodd summary of him as a player.
And how can u excpect him to have better stats this year when the team won 23 games and u have curry and zach killing the teams offenseive chemistry. He can esaliy be a 15-10 guy. Easy.
As for the 13 mil, not worth it, but hell take less so im not worried.
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David Lee Seeking 13 Million Per Year?
David Lee Seeking 13 Million Per Year?
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