Before the trade, the Knicks were nearly $9M under the cap. The two young talented players they drafted could be considered the CBA ballast to get Billups in the deal as well.
For the Knicks I think they make this trade for one reason: there's a chance that, if push came to shove, Melo would choose a contract extension now over signing with the Knicks later. And if that happened, they'd look really bad. Can't say I blame them. I don't think the Knicks are contenders now, but with Melo and Amare....you're cooking with gas. The behavior of Denver and Melo suggests that the contract extension was a big deal. Why else would Melo bargain so hard for a trade? How else could Denver afford to kick their heels in the dirt so much? As for the fate of the Knicks......I think a lot rests in the hands of the future CBA. I haven't taken a close look at their cap picture, but if they have FA money when Deron and CP3 become available.....that's a very interesting situation.
Some knicks faithful are holding out with the idea that CP3 will be a knick in 2012. Their speculation is both Melo and cp3 have the same agent. CP3 has mentioned NY. They are watching the extension of Melo closely in hopes he signs for less. Then of course the story is so will CP3. Possible, but how likely is this to happen with the new CBA looming? CP3 may have to take FAR less than he would like!
Small change. Knicks are getting Corey Brewer. They are losing 30 mins a game with the Melo for Gallinari/Chandler. This might help a bit in that regard.
Like I say, if I were them, I'd turn Azubuike and Mason into guys that are worth something but have contracts for next year. Although Azubuike is reportedly close to returning from his ACL, and he was a decent player, so maybe they're counting on him to help? Right now, they're 1- Billups, Carter 2- Fields, Brewer 3- Melo, S. Williams (Drug Dealer), Walker 4- Amare, S. Williams (weirdo married to a good woman basketball player) 5- Turiaf
Would he be less of a jerk if he said he would consider signing with Denver in the off-season and gone to the Knicks anyway? I like the system. I really hope they don't add a franchise tag.
No. He'd be the same jerk in my eyes. Just like he never said "publicly" that he even wanted a trade, although every thing that came out was how much he wanted out. He was a jerk who screwed around with other people's careers and took people's money without too much thought of what he should give back in return. I'm sure that in the end, things will work out as they should. I hope that means that he faces up to his poor choices, and decides to actually play for others and not just for himself. I'm not blaming the system, or looking for the system to fix things. This is on him.
