KNICKMATIC809
Benchwarmer
Tony Parker is coming to New York
But, for now, it's just to play soccer.
Parker, who is expected to be one of the hottest names on the trade rumor front this offseason, will be part of Steve Nash's third annual "Showdown in Chinatown" event held in Manhattan on Wednesday.
This has become one of the most popular charity events put together by a pro athlete, as Nash brings together NBA and professional soccer stars for a soccer match played at the Nike Fields at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Nash, Parker and Brandon Jennings are among some of the NBA players who will participate in the event, which starts at 6 p.m.
Last year Nash had Parker, Chris Bosh and Grant Hill from the NBA and soccer stars such as Claudio Reyna, Thierry Henry and Javier Zanetti, among others.
Earlier in the day there will be a Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation Brunch at 11 a.m. in NYC. Tickets for the brunch are a $5,000 per person donation to Nash's foundation.
After the game -- which is free to the public -- is "An Evening of Showdown" afterparty and auction hosted by Nash. Tickets to this event are $500 per person, with the proceeds again benefitting Nash's foundation.
Parker has told friends that if the Spurs are ready to move forward with George Hill as the starter, then he would welcome a trade.With one year left on his contract before he becomes a free agent in 2011, Parker would prefer a trade to New York or Los Angelesmainly because it would be a convenient fit for his wife, actress Eva Longoria. Parker's represenation has reached out to the Knicks to see if there was mutual interest (there is) and if there can be a deal made with the Spurs.
This is one of several scenarios the Knicks have considered over the last few weeks and there is no reason to believe anything has evolved beyond preliminary discussions. Another name the Knicks were certainly monitoring -- as we have been mentioning here for almost a year -- is Chris Paul.While the word we've been given is there is little chance the Hornets would move the all-star guard in a salary dump, the inexhaustible Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday reported that Paul might be available - but for the right price. The problem for the Knicks is they don't appear to have the kind of assets (read: all-star player) it would take to get Paul from New Orleans. The Knicks do have cap space and could take on one or two other hefty contracts to give the Hornets some financial relief, but that could move them out of the LeBron James sweepstakes.
Then again, if LeBron decides to stay in Cleveland, the Knicks will need to go in a different direction anyway.
Yes, get ready for a wild couple of weeks here, Fixers. With a very underwhelming draft class, especially after the dynamic John Wall, draft night will be loaded with rumors and, possibly, a blockbuster or two.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/the-knicks-fix-1.812055
But, for now, it's just to play soccer.
Parker, who is expected to be one of the hottest names on the trade rumor front this offseason, will be part of Steve Nash's third annual "Showdown in Chinatown" event held in Manhattan on Wednesday.
This has become one of the most popular charity events put together by a pro athlete, as Nash brings together NBA and professional soccer stars for a soccer match played at the Nike Fields at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Nash, Parker and Brandon Jennings are among some of the NBA players who will participate in the event, which starts at 6 p.m.
Last year Nash had Parker, Chris Bosh and Grant Hill from the NBA and soccer stars such as Claudio Reyna, Thierry Henry and Javier Zanetti, among others.
Earlier in the day there will be a Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation Brunch at 11 a.m. in NYC. Tickets for the brunch are a $5,000 per person donation to Nash's foundation.
After the game -- which is free to the public -- is "An Evening of Showdown" afterparty and auction hosted by Nash. Tickets to this event are $500 per person, with the proceeds again benefitting Nash's foundation.
Parker has told friends that if the Spurs are ready to move forward with George Hill as the starter, then he would welcome a trade.With one year left on his contract before he becomes a free agent in 2011, Parker would prefer a trade to New York or Los Angelesmainly because it would be a convenient fit for his wife, actress Eva Longoria. Parker's represenation has reached out to the Knicks to see if there was mutual interest (there is) and if there can be a deal made with the Spurs.
This is one of several scenarios the Knicks have considered over the last few weeks and there is no reason to believe anything has evolved beyond preliminary discussions. Another name the Knicks were certainly monitoring -- as we have been mentioning here for almost a year -- is Chris Paul.While the word we've been given is there is little chance the Hornets would move the all-star guard in a salary dump, the inexhaustible Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday reported that Paul might be available - but for the right price. The problem for the Knicks is they don't appear to have the kind of assets (read: all-star player) it would take to get Paul from New Orleans. The Knicks do have cap space and could take on one or two other hefty contracts to give the Hornets some financial relief, but that could move them out of the LeBron James sweepstakes.
Then again, if LeBron decides to stay in Cleveland, the Knicks will need to go in a different direction anyway.
Yes, get ready for a wild couple of weeks here, Fixers. With a very underwhelming draft class, especially after the dynamic John Wall, draft night will be loaded with rumors and, possibly, a blockbuster or two.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/the-knicks-fix-1.812055
