The Knicks

[MMacOH]

They are trying everything they can to clear enough ap space to sign 2 max free agents next year.

Do you guys think it will happen?  Do you think a team with 2 superstars and zero depth in their starting lineup and bench can win make the playoffs?  Would you like to see the Knicks blow up their team and them not be able to even get 1 superstar to come play with them?

[Fafnir]

I think they're locked in on this course, and it has the best potential for them to become a contender again quickly.

Even if it doesn't work they still will have financial room and can start building with the lottery picks they'll recieve going forward. The Knicks were in such a huge mess after Isiah I don't see any other paths to take.

[Chris]

I think it will happen.  The rumored deal with Houston is probably too good for the Rockets to turn down, and will probably happen on Thursday (they will probably look at options for 3-team deals before finalizing it).  That will give them room to go after 2 max (or close to max) players. 

[Donoghus]

They are trying everything they can to clear enough ap space to sign 2 max free agents next year.

Do you guys think it will happen?  Do you think a team with 2 superstars and zero depth in their starting lineup and bench can win make the playoffs?  Would you like to see the Knicks blow up their team and them not be able to even get 1 superstar to come play with them?

I don't think it'll happen.  I wouldn't be shocked at all if they miss out on the big fish of this FA crop and end up overpaying for second tier talent.  

If they were able to get two max guys, I'd be extremely interested to see what they'd be able to do with their remaining cap room.  What kind of talent they'd bring in?  It'd be interesting to watch.  

[MMacOH]

So, my next question would be.....with the owners already showing that they are going to try and really cut down on contracts into the future, and the realization that there is no way the players union would ever agree to allowing a CBA to be retroactive to effectively cut current contracts, do you think any superstar would actually take less money now to switch teams?  I say no way.  I think Wade, Lebron, Bosh, etc. all stick with their current squads

[Donoghus]

So, my next question would be.....with the owners already showing that they are going to try and really cut down on contracts into the future, and the realization that there is no way the players union would ever agree to allowing a CBA to be retroactive to effectively cut current contracts, do you think any superstar would actually take less money now to switch teams?  I say no way.  I think Wade, Lebron, Bosh, etc. all stick with their current squads

I think Lebron and Wade are staying with their current squads.  (I've actually been speculating for months that Lebron stays)

Bosh could interesting.  I think he's the most likely to change teams and wouldn't be surprised if the did. 

[celticsclay]

In all these situations what players do they have on the books for next year? Galinari? Duhon? Chandler? I am sure there are least a couple of nba starting worthy players there. While I don't see a scenerio where they get a lebron and wade under any circumstance, getting joe johnson and chris bosh would be a big improvement over the current roster...

[Chris]

So, my next question would be.....with the owners already showing that they are going to try and really cut down on contracts into the future, and the realization that there is no way the players union would ever agree to allowing a CBA to be retroactive to effectively cut current contracts, do you think any superstar would actually take less money now to switch teams?  I say no way.  I think Wade, Lebron, Bosh, etc. all stick with their current squads

While I think a couple players will stay put, I don't think money is going to be the issue.  Those guys are all at the point in their careers, where they have made plenty of money, and will continue to make more money through endorsements.  They are going to be making their decision based on the best situation for themselves (based on basketball, and/or lifestyle).  

Do you think Lebron is going to really say "well, I can make a bit more money in Cleveland...so even though NY is a much better situation for me, I gotta get that cash!"?  Of course not.  If Lebron stays, it is going to be because he feels a loyalty to the team and city, and he thinks he has a chance to create a dynasty in Cleveland.  Not because he can make some extra cash there.

My prediction is Lebron and Wade both stay where they are (Lebron because of Loyalty, Wade because it's Miami), with STAT, Johnson, and Bosh, all going to different cities.  

[celticsclay]

So, my next question would be.....with the owners already showing that they are going to try and really cut down on contracts into the future, and the realization that there is no way the players union would ever agree to allowing a CBA to be retroactive to effectively cut current contracts, do you think any superstar would actually take less money now to switch teams?  I say no way.  I think Wade, Lebron, Bosh, etc. all stick with their current squads

While I think a couple players will stay put, I don't think money is going to be the issue.  Those guys are all at the point in their careers, where they have made plenty of money, and will continue to make more money through endorsements.  They are going to be making their decision based on the best situation for themselves (based on basketball, and/or lifestyle).  

Do you think Lebron is going to really say "well, I can make a bit more money in Cleveland...so even though NY is a much better situation for me, I gotta get that cash!"?  Of course not.  If Lebron stays, it is going to be because he feels a loyalty to the team and city, and he thinks he has a chance to create a dynasty in Cleveland.  Not because he can make some extra cash there.

My prediction is Lebron and Wade both stay where they are (Lebron because of Loyalty, Wade because it's Miami), with STAT, Johnson, and Bosh, all going to different cities.  

I agree except for STAT (depending where he ends up). He has an option for 17 million for next year. Will he make that much somewhere as a free agent? He isn't worth more then that in my opinion (in this economy

[Chris]

So, my next question would be.....with the owners already showing that they are going to try and really cut down on contracts into the future, and the realization that there is no way the players union would ever agree to allowing a CBA to be retroactive to effectively cut current contracts, do you think any superstar would actually take less money now to switch teams?  I say no way.  I think Wade, Lebron, Bosh, etc. all stick with their current squads

While I think a couple players will stay put, I don't think money is going to be the issue.  Those guys are all at the point in their careers, where they have made plenty of money, and will continue to make more money through endorsements.  They are going to be making their decision based on the best situation for themselves (based on basketball, and/or lifestyle).  

Do you think Lebron is going to really say "well, I can make a bit more money in Cleveland...so even though NY is a much better situation for me, I gotta get that cash!"?  Of course not.  If Lebron stays, it is going to be because he feels a loyalty to the team and city, and he thinks he has a chance to create a dynasty in Cleveland.  Not because he can make some extra cash there.

My prediction is Lebron and Wade both stay where they are (Lebron because of Loyalty, Wade because it's Miami), with STAT, Johnson, and Bosh, all going to different cities.  

I agree except for STAT (depending where he ends up). He has an option for 17 million for next year. Will he make that much somewhere as a free agent? He isn't worth more then that in my opinion (in this economy

Well, look at it this way.  Even if he does not get $17 million per year on a new contract, do you think he would get a larger contract if he signs it this season, or the summer of 2011, with the new CBA looming, or maybe in place?  The reason guys like Lebron, Bosh, Wade, and Amare put that opt-out into their contract this summer is because they knew that this summer is possibly the last chance to cash in.  I really do not see Amare choosing to play out the year on that $17 million, and risk getting half as much in 2011 as he would get this summer.

[Who]

Max contract + max contract + Danilo Gallinari + Wilson Chandler

That is a very impressive core, a core to a Championship caliber team, if the Knicks can get two elite players to join them.

The first year they'll be a little short on depth. Depending on how good a job Donnie Walsh does, they'll be able to build a serviceable bench and supporting cast and be a title contender or it'll be poor and fail. The following year, though, they will have enough quality in their supporting cast and would very likely be the best team in the East.

[Lucky17]

Max contract + max contract + Danilo Gallinari + Wilson Chandler

That is a very impressive core, a core to a Championship caliber team, if the Knicks can get two elite players to join them.

The first year they'll be a little short on depth. Depending on how good a job Donnie Walsh does, they'll be able to build a serviceable bench and supporting cast and be a title contender or it'll be poor and fail. The following year, though, they will have enough quality in their supporting cast and would very likely be the best team in the East.

Larry Coon breaks down the Knicks' cap space possibilities quite nicely here:

http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/behind-the-numbers-the-knicks-mcgrady-and-the-cap/

I had no idea Larry was writing a hoops blog for the Times.

[Who]

Max contract + max contract + Danilo Gallinari + Wilson Chandler

That is a very impressive core, a core to a Championship caliber team, if the Knicks can get two elite players to join them.

The first year they'll be a little short on depth. Depending on how good a job Donnie Walsh does, they'll be able to build a serviceable bench and supporting cast and be a title contender or it'll be poor and fail. The following year, though, they will have enough quality in their supporting cast and would very likely be the best team in the East.

Larry Coon breaks down the Knicks' cap space possibilities quite nicely here:

http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/behind-the-numbers-the-knicks-mcgrady-and-the-cap/

I had no idea Larry was writing a hoops blog for the Times.

Larry Coon writes for them occasionally, he's been doing so for about a year. Most of his articles are very basic and information you'd already know or have heard of elsewhere from other NBA journalists.

[Donoghus]

Max contract + max contract + Danilo Gallinari + Wilson Chandler

That is a very impressive core, a core to a Championship caliber team, if the Knicks can get two elite players to join them.

The first year they'll be a little short on depth. Depending on how good a job Donnie Walsh does, they'll be able to build a serviceable bench and supporting cast and be a title contender or it'll be poor and fail. The following year, though, they will have enough quality in their supporting cast and would very likely be the best team in the East.

Larry Coon breaks down the Knicks' cap space possibilities quite nicely here:

http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/behind-the-numbers-the-knicks-mcgrady-and-the-cap/

I had no idea Larry was writing a hoops blog for the Times.

One of the scenarios is pretty funny.  Having to fill 6 roster spots and only having the ability to offer minimum salary contracts.  Yikes.