But, first a mid-season team analysis.
This Knicks team should look familiar to long-time Knick fans. It very much resembles the late sixties teams that preceded the Championship years. The Knicks will have a better second half of the season than the first and I have faith that Donnie will harden the team going forward.
Our keepers are Chandler, Lee, Gallinari, and Duhon. Consider them untouchable unless a blockbuster is in the works. A second-tier consists of Al Harrington and N8 with N8 being a likely trade sweetener if a strong trade is proposed.
Anyone familiar with the season knows our needs; a two guard and a defensive center. And, more generally speaking, chemistry and toughness.
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We'll start with a no-brainer.
Tim Thomas for Darko Milicic. Neither player is an impact player for either team and nobody is lining up in Memphis to bid for Darko who has very little value. For the Knicks this is a reclamation project - for Memphis, they save money and get a useful player who comes off the books at year's end.
I'm not sure Darko adds much this year. Still, a low risk big man who D'Antoni might be able to groom.
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How about a tarnished futures trade?
Roberson and our upcoming #1 pick for Anthony Randolph and Marcus Williams (GSW)? Randolph and Williams are Pariahs in GS and disappointments to boot. Can our upcoming pick be much different? If one or both of these guys make a splash we come out even. If not, we eat some salary.
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The California Dreaming Trade: updated!
Knicks get an aging center and two nice backcourt players for our entertaining N8, expiring Rose, and role-playing Jeffries as well as a second-rounder. Sacto saves a few dollars as well.
Not a great deal but reasonably fair; N8 being the only star quality player who moves.
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The Washington Bailout trade:
Tim Thomas and Anthony Roberson for Mike James and Juan Dixon. James becomes a Duhon backup, Dixon becomes a resignable asset. washington gets an expiring who saves money over time on James' contract.
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Marbury, Jeffries, and N8 for O'Neal, Moon, Ukic, and Kapano. This is cash for talent on the Knicks part. The Knicks swallow O'Neal's huge contract next year to acquire Kapano who solidifies the backcourt and adds firepower.
Moon, and Ukic are the closing costs of this deal. Toronto saves millions and acquires N8 who will help sell tickets once their injured stars return.
Update: O'Neal traded to Miami for Marion - dumb as doornails exchange.
I doubt Donnie does a trade of this scope but it could happen and it will shake up the playoff picture big time.
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The true blockbuster:
Jeffries, Thomas, Roberson, and our #1 for Hamilton and Afflalo. Detroit saves big on Rip's contract and shores up their front-court.
Rip's 4 year contract seemingly contradicts what the 2010 plan is all about. But not really.
Acquiring Hamilton is another trade that puts the league on notice the Knicks are serious. And Hamilton becomes a potential free agent magnet to attract a Free agent OR he becomes the keystone in a sign and trade for that free agent.
Detroit is going nowhere this year expensively and without paying fanfare. Hamilton will not be easy to move because of money.
Keep your eye on this one or a variation on the theme. Rip could do for the Knicks what Ray Allen did for the Celts.
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If any of these trades take place they virtually assure the Knicks of a playoff spot and a fighting chance to have some wins in the playoffs.
Let's wish Donnie a lucrative Feb trading period.
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