Eliminating Contracts
The issue is less who we want to trade first than whose contract we want to eliminate first.
The Knicks are interested in cap space for 2010. I do not believe they are particularly concerned about costs in the period until 2010. I think the contract to Duhon demonstrates this. I am amazed he got the full mid-level exception. He is overpaid, by a lot, for two years. But it is only two years. He is not signed for 2010.
Jerome James is useless, but his current contract is for 2008 and 2009. He will not be on the books in 2010. If he takes a medical retirement, he still gets his money. In any event, he is untradeable and will surely be bought out.
Z-Bo will be on the books in 2010 for over $17M. If Walsh expects to get under the cap by 2010, Z-Bo must go. He will be easier to move sooner than later, because the Knicks can take back some bad contracts for the two years prior to 2010. It would be nice to get some draft picks too or perhaps some promising youngsters.
Curry's contract, Jamal's contract and Jefferies' contract each extend through 2010 and at 2010 amounts of $11.276M, $10.08M and $6.88M, respectively. I think the Knicks will have to get rid of at least two of those contracts to have any real cap space in 2010.
The rest of the players do not have comitted 2010 contracts, but some of them, Lee and Robinson particularly, are going to be looking for long term contracts.
Malik Rose does not have much left in the tank, but he does have an expiring contract. He could perhaps help a young team. But if we need a roster spot, he can be bought out.
Q-Rich has big numbers for two years, but it is only two years.
We can trade anyone if we get value back. Particularly given their contracts, there are not too many Knicks with value to other teams. Z-Bo could fit in Chicago, and perhaps Cleveland or Sacramento. But we won't get much back.
Marbury will get a lot this year. I do not see a reason for buying him out unless it is for team chemistry. No one will take his expiring contract without sending big contracts in return.
Walsh has his job cut out for him. it will be interesting to see what he does.
By the way, how fat is Curry now? I have not seen any recent pictures. And from what I have seen of Q-Rich, I don't believe he has dropped 15 pounds. His hair did not weigh that much. If he did lose 15, he looks as if he needs to drop another 20 or 30.