I would be pretty surprised if Donny Walsh would turn down the ability to shed Jared Jeffries over Gallinari.
There was a strong rumour last year that had Donnie Walsh turning down a Jeffries salary dump over Nate Robinson. A player that doesn't figure in their long term plans, unlike Gallinari.
I think Donnie values Gallinari above anyone else on that Knicks team. Plus, that Gallo's development is one of the biggest keys to his free agency plan (since they want some talent on the roster to entice FAs).
Yep, I recall the rumor -- generally panned as one of the worst decisions he's ever made (and he's made some pretty questionable ones) and one he declined before the collapse of the economy, and therefore reduced NBA revenue and a lower cap.
In short, he expected to have a) enough cap space to sign two max players, or subsequently b) the ability to move curry. He now has the ability to do neither, and their entire free agency plan is sinking with said dilemma.
You honestly think Donny Walsh would turn down $9mil in additional 2010 cap space over Danilo Gallinari? You think James Dolan would let him do that, after 15 years without any? You think Lebron or Wade or wheoever is going to pick the Knicks due to Gallinari?
If they do the deal, they can then sign Joe Johnson (or whoever), and then sign Lebron (or whoever else), and their current 'talent' is forgotten. C'mon, gang.
Meanwhile, I'm not sure why the Cs do it. As I said before, I'd like a more dimensional player than Danilo if I'm going to make the Knicks contenders.