I mean, you can’t just get nothing for Zach. His fat ass needs to be replaced by the fattest ass available.

Imagine Eddy Curry, Jerome James, AND Big Sofo on the same front line? Randolph wouldn’t even be missed!

You really think a player that averages 20/10 is only worth a 2nd round pick? All for salary cap relief? Yikes!

I like the move, it’s like Donnie Walsh is saying to the entire delusional NBA… I’M NOT ISIAH YOU PUNK A** B*TCHES SO GET THE F*** OUT OF MY FACE WITH THAT WEAK A** SH*T!

Thomas B, I got around to talking to God a bit ago, and well, when the whole loving the Knicks bit came up, he was pretty adamantly opposed to the idea, in fact he was pretty set on delivering an NBA franchise to Winnipeg, Manitoba as his #1 priority. Looks like the whole divine aid plan is pretty shot.

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.” — Abraham Lincoln
As Knick fans, considering some of the facts that came to light during last summer’s trial, it looks like we’re screwed.

Did no one notice that those lines were borrowed from the inspirational section of several famous movies? Hackman in Hoosiers, Gibson in Braveheart, whats his name in Pride of the Yankees, Brian’s song, ect.

If there are other offers, something like Wallyworld (and his expiring deal) straight-up or (better) him plus a future pick or Anderson Varejao seems to me like a better deal to me. If you’re not the Knicks you’d rather not pay Wally, but if money makes no difference in the short-term why not add a guy with a .573 career TS% and .525 eFG% plus maybe a better pick (1st) or interior defender (Anderson)? The Knicks’ biggest immediate needs seem like interior defense and outside shooting.

Anyway, it’s nice to see that someone wants Zach Randolph.

“superstars win championships” is everyone’s philosophy in the NBA, there’s no getting around it. there are only a handful of these guys in the league at any time, most teams never have a chance to get one.

Walsh is a master of the trade exception — you might remember what he pulled off with Peja Stojakovic, after the Artest trade. Peja signed a huge offer from the Hornets. Walsh didn’t want to keep him – at least, not at the high price – but he convinced the Hornets to make it a sign and trade. He forked over a little bit of cash, and New Orleans traded rights to a 1998 second-round pick. With this sleight of hand, Walsh gave his over-the-cap Pacers the right to trade for a high-salaried player, without sending back much of anything. Of course, he ended up using it to trade for Al Harrington… oops… but it was still a slick maneuver. Here’s a detailed account:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2519835

Trading Randolph without taking back matching salary would give us a very big trade exception. I’m not sure we would or should use it — depends on the deal – but it’s a great option to have.

As far as the Clippers go, I think we all need to take a deep breath. I’m sure they’ll explore other options, but it doesn’t mean they’ll work. Restricted free agents are restricted. And Shawn Marion — how would the Clippers convince Miami to make that trade? And does he really want to sign an extension with the Clippers? Anyway, there’s a good chance they’ll be back at the bargaining table. Hell, they could sign Andre Iguodala to a $16 million deal and STILL be able to make a Randolph trade, sending back Mobley and Tim Thomas. But none of this is going to shake out for at least a few weeks…

p.s. re: the Celtics — I agree, it wasn’t just a “win now” attitude but having chips to play. Not just Al Jefferson but a pair of high lottery picks. Just the Garnett trade alone, which will be complete only next year when the Wolves get Boston’s 1st-round pick… basically, the Wolves traded Garnett for next year’s Boston pick (say, #28), Al Jefferson, Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and about $11 million in cap space (Ratliff). Knicks don’t have anything close to that kind of ammo.

I kind of thought that didn’t apply to teams over the cap, but I don’t really know. anyone?

From my reading of the Salary Cap rules (not saying that is the correct reading, of course), teams over the cap can still acquire trade exceptions.

No, it was having talented young players like Al Jefferson….

So, are you saying Boston didn’t have a “We can win it now” attitude? Or are you simply trying to defend your position by any means necessary?

I’m sure you’ve heard this many times, but superstars win championships,….

Actually, it’s a team that wins a championship – that’s why the team keeps the trophy, not the so-called superstar – but thanks for the condescension.

BTW, your stated exceptions prove that bromide false.

That’s the only way we’re going to win a championship, and I’ll take that plan over your “Let’s hope Jared Jeffries becomes an offensive force through sheer force of will!”, Green Lantern-esque plan for the New York Knicks.

My posit, one of several, was that Jeffries (and Balkman) becomes more of a scorer in a run and lay-up system. It seems a likely result, though a truly minor factor in a winning season. Somehow this becomes a sole hope, upon which the fortunes of the team depend, that “Jeffries becomes an offensive force through sheer force of will!” Is this just poor comprehension skills or the aforementioned any means necessary to defend a position?