Examining The Knicks 2010 Options
STAT in NYC?As we said after the Knicks made these two ridiculous trades late last week, their hopes for a championship run in 2010 are founded in free agency. Realistically speaking, New York could hold onto Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari as the only two players on the roster right now – which would cost a total of $5 million – and try to fill the rest of the roster with free agents. Or, if they re-up with David Lee and Nate Robinson, their total payroll would probably be less than $18 million total.
So what could the Knicks do with the remaining money? LeBron will cost at least $25 million per year – and everyone’s acting as though it’s a foregone conclusion that he’ll be wearing blue and orange. Add him to a roster of Lee, Robinson, Chandler, and Gallinari, and the Knicks probably have roughly $20 million left under the cap. Add him to a roster of Chandler and Gallinari alone, and the Knicks have roughly $35 million left under the cap.
So how do they fill the rest of their roster? Here’s everyone who is worth knowing about coming off the books in 2010-11. If there’s an “R” by their name, they’ll be restricted free agents if their team makes a qualifying offer. ESPN’s Marc Stein proposed a LeBron-Amare-Nash trio, but that wouldn’t be possible unless the Knicks gave the salary cap the middle finger or Nash agreed to play for peanuts. Realistically, they could add another marquee name in the $12-15 million per year neighborhood, but they wouldn’t have much money left to fill the remainder of the roster.
* Dwyane Wade
* Chris Bosh
* Yao
* T.J. Ford
* Amare
* Dirk
* Paul Pierce
* Michael Redd
* Tyson Chandler
* Steve Nash
* Tracy McGrady
* Manu Ginobili
* Joe Johnson
* Ray Allen
* Shaq
* Mike Miller
* Marcus Camby
* Brad Miller
* Larry Hughes
* Tyrus Thomas (R)
* Rip Hamilton
* Amir Johnson
* Rafer Alston
* Luis Scola
* Brent Barry
* Derek Fisher
* Jermaine O’Neal
* Jordan Farmar (R)
* Darko
* Rudy Gay (R)
* Kyle Lowry (R)
* Dorell Wright
* Luke Ridnour
* Ryan Gomes
* Sebastian Telfair
* Craig Smith
* Rasual Butler
* Hilton Armstrong (R)
* Earl Watson
* J.J. Redick (R)
* Raja Bell
* LaMarcus Aldridge (R)
* Travis Outlaw
* Brandon Roy (R)
* Bruce Bowen
* Kurt Thomas
* Fab Oberto
* Roger Mason, Jr.
* Matt Bonner
* Andrea Bargnani (R)
* Ronnie Brewer (R)
* Darius Songaila
November 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
shage says:
Now that’s a sick free agent class.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Davorin says:
Now that’s a sick 2010 Knick squad.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
karizmatic says:
Well I would definitely like to see the Knicks go out and get Wade and LBJ. With so much money you could sell the idea to both of them. Wade and LBJ in New York to take on the league, AI isn’t listed here but maybe they could get him as well if he doesn’t stay with the Pistons or only signs a one year deal, to play for a little bit. My hope is Wade and LBJ.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Jah says:
The people have spoken and we want Dwyane Wade to stay down south in Miami where it’s lovely.
As far as the Knicks — if they do get LeBron, I think a better complementary player would be a marquee PF like Amare Stoudemire or Chris Bosh since LeBron’s game revolves around him playing the big guard spot, let him thrive there and leave it to a low-post monster to dominate the rest of the game.
Werd.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
loganlight says:
Wade needs to stay in Miami!! Him, Beasly, Chalmers, Haslem, and BOSH!
The best thing the Knicks are doing right now is fixing their bank roll. Regardless of getting LeBron, Wade, Bosh, or any big name free agent, they had to get their money right. They’re finally on that track.
Because of that, is there any doubt that Mikey D has the most secure job in the L over the next 2 seasons?
LL
November 24th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
jiggaman says:
Lebron, Rip, Amare- Lebron would average 12 assists with 12 boards (STAT don’t rebound), plus 32 ppg with D’antoni’s system.
Or add Nash/Camby for a starting 5.
They spent 130 million in 2005, they shouldn’t be scrimpin’ in 2 years with a higher salary cap.
It’ll happen b/c Lakers will piss everyone off by running away with the next few chips.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Patrick says:
I hate any team throwing a season and because of that I hope they dont get LBJ, Wade, Bosh or Amare. But I hope they can stop being the worst managed pro franchise. Build in the draft and pick up two good players over the next 2 years. Just stop paying guys like malik rose and jerome james 8 figures to do nothing.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
pffft ... Knicks says:
wow. how come nobody is talking about how the Knicks are going to screw this up. I can see it now. 2 straight years of talking about this sh*t, building up their fanbase with such high hopes, only to watch them end up in tears. I refuse to believe any of this mess until it happens.
Also, people are forgetting the draft position the NYK’s could end up with come 09/10. They’ll botch that as well but with this current team, they are looking to potentially having a top 5 pick to help sweeten the deal for FA’s to be.
ONE
November 24th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Damon says:
@ jiggaman
amare dont rebound? last i checked he has more reb per game than lebron…
November 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Kobeef says:
You fogot that the Knicks will be the worst team in the NBA for the next two years, so here’s my pick:
PG – Brandon Jennings
SG – Joe Johnson
SF – Wilson Chandler
PF – Amare
C – Tyson Chandler
I know…how do you forget Lebron? Lebron’s going to Brooklyn.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
yoda says:
mike miller would be great with lbj. so many open shots that he can take
November 24th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Ashlov says:
Wade is living the sweet life as a god in a great city, he’s not going anywhere. The Knicks’ best chance are in Lebron, Bosh, and STAT. Problem is, lots of other teams are going to have cash.
If the Heat stay in the 2010 hunt, I think they’re a more attractive place to live (night life, no state tax, weather, Heat dancers) than any other NBA city. I’d personally be content if the Heat could nab STAT at center, and call it a day.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Casey Lee says:
Top possible Knicks Pick-ups in 2010:
-Amare Stoudamire
-Steve Nash
-Rafer Alston
-Mike Miller
-Brandon Jennings
Coach D’Antonio is going to want players that fit HIS run and gun system + shooters!
November 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
vinny says:
The knicks dont have there number 1 in 2010-utah has it-unprotected-another great move by previous management.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
karizmatic says:
Wow I didn’t think people would get so mad about Wade leaving. Miami is barely treading water right now…Wade could go to a big market in New York and play with LBJ to win championship after championship. What’s better than that? On the other hand, New York could completely mess this up Cleveland is 10-3 they have a decent team right now what if they are better by 2010 and LBJ doesn’t leave then what? Well there are a whole lot of other free agents. And all of y’all hating on my suggestion that Wade go to NY now you see a little of how Cleveland fans feel.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
karizmatic says:
NY 2010 lineup
Iverson
Wade
LBJ
David Lee
and whoever…does it really matter?
November 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
P_Dizzle says:
That lineup of Lebron and Lee, Robinson, Chandler, and Gallinari looks like crap. His roster in Cleveland looks better than that and that ain’t saying much. He ain’t going to win a ‘chip with that. As far as Lebron/Amare/Nash. Wasn’t it Amare that kicked D’Antoni in the ass on his way out of Phoenix? Now suddenly he is going to go to NY, please!
You can do that Lebron lineup with anyone and piss yourself, fact is we got a long damn wait ’til ‘10 so just sit back and let the cards land where they may. This Lebron free agency in ‘10 is getting pretty damn old already and we got a year and a half to hear more about it!
November 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
ben says:
seeing this list gets me excited as a knicks fan lol…the possibilites are crazy….i think that we would thrive with lebron and amare or bosh cleaning up on the glass…but until then, we have to deal with 2 more years of losing lol…ooo the horror…atleast we have nate for now…an atleast he could put a smile on peoples faces by dancing lol…http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1859735478?bclid=1859720801&bctid=2454972001
November 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
P_Dizzle says:
The other thing about the list is a lot of the big names on it have to opt out of their contracts and think they are going to get paid more.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Mikey says:
How come no one is saying anything about Houston being a player in the 2010 free agency? T-Mac and Yao are both unrestricted FAs in 2010 (according to the list provided). Also, a lot of their role players are leaving (Luis Scola, Rafer Alston, and Brent Barry) Wouldn’t the Rockets be a lot better exchanging T-Mac for LeBron? They could resign Yao or go after Amare/Tyson Chandler. They’d have a decent line-up:
PG – Aaron Brooks (he should have put things together by then)
SG – Ron Artest
SF – Shane Battier
PF – LeBron James
C – Yao/Amare/Tyson Chandler
If they could get a better PG (I’m sure they could swing something with the Scola/Alston/Barry money), they’d have a good shot at getting a chip or two. If LBJ wants championships, that’s the team to do it for him.
Anyway, looking at the Knicks, let’s assume they end up in the lottery this year. This year’s draft is supposed to be a strong PG class. So, we’ll assume they take a PG (maybe Brandon Jennings, maybe Ricky Rubio, maybe somebody else). So, now we are looking at a team with the high draft pick PG, Wilson Chandler, Danilo, and David Lee (I threw in Lee because NY loves the dude). The Knicks will need help at SG and Center. Assuming they get Lebron in 2010, they can play him or Chandler at SG. Let’s say this leaves 15 million under the cap (could be more, or it could be less). Who on the list would qualify as a Center and sign for under 15 mil? Tyson Chandler probably best fits the bill.
Now the Knicks have a line-up of:
PG – drafted in 2009 (let’s call him Ricky Rubio, because he would be fun to watch in D’Antoni’s system).
SG – LBJ (once again, not his true position but he can play where ever he wants)
SF – Wilson Chandler/Danilo
PF – David Lee/Danilo
C – Tyson Chandler
The Knicks would likely still have some room under the cap. Here they should gun for high quality role players. If I was running the team, I’d gun for the likes of Kurt Thomas, Derek Fisher (NY has as good of hospitals as LA), Dorell Wright, Ray Allen (if he’d sign cheap enough), Travis Outlaw, Luis Scola, and/or Brad Miller (who couldn’t use a great passing center with some range?).
Would that team be able to win a chip? Maybe, but I like the Rockets scenario a lot better.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
P_Dizzle says:
Mikey @ post 20
The Jazz own the Knicks draft rights if they get a lotto pick like you are suggesting. So that idea is out the window. I think you are right about your Houston idea though. If Lebron wants to win a ‘chip there are a gazillion other places he could go, but if he wants the fame and popularity there is no place like NY.
So it all boils down to what Lebron wants. I personally think he will stay in Cleveland, but what the hell do I know.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
chrisGO says:
anybody @ dime, ive got a question-
since the era of the salary cap…
has there ever been this much strategizing by so many teams to try and land one marquee player?
November 24th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
dapro says:
One Amare isn’t going to take a backseat to anyone not even King James
I doubt he plays the 5 again
Dwade might relocate if the Heat don’t improve. He and Bosh would a lethal 1-2 punch
Bosh would fit better with LBJ or Wade
November 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Pioneer says:
Zzzzz…there’s an NBA season going on this year and next year. Just in case anybody forgot.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Reed Ewing Frazier says:
I like the trades hopefully Walsh will not make a stupid trade for Marion. Iverson and Nash are not coming to the Knicks so you idiots thinking that think again. We will do good with Yao,LBJ,Amare,Bosh and Wade. If we can get two out that bunch we will be straight. If we do get LeBron all you Band Wagoners please do not become Knicks Fans. Stay the Fuck away.
KNICKS UP!! all the rest down!!
November 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
control says:
I’m surpised no crazy NYers have mentioned the possible
Yao
Bosh/Amare
LeBron
Wade
Nash with Talfair coming off bench
lineup that could be available. Most NY people think that they are the biggest and best, and that would be the biggest and best lineup you could have with all the people available. I’m sure they’d all come for the vet min…JUST because it’s NY.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Mikey says:
My understanding of the Knicks draft situation is as follows:
2009 – If they are in the top 22 picks, they keep the pick. Anything above 22, the pick goes to Utah.
2010 – The draft pick is unprotected. If Utah doesn’t get the pick in 2009, they’ll get it here.
One way or the other, the Knicks will have a draft pick. It’ll either be a lottery pick in 2009 (highly likely) or if they are a top 8 team this year (unlikely after the Crawford and Randolph trades), they’ll get a draft pick in 2010.
So, in my projection, I went with the likely scenario of the Knicks getting a lottery pick in 2009 and then giving the Jazz the 2010 pick.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Max says:
Amare needs a major ‘tude adjustment if he’s going to rejoin D’Antoni…the guy practically whacked D’Antoni’s ass with the door on his way out. I don’t see him as a Knick anytime soon.
Other teams are working feverishly to position themselves to woo Lebron, and are likely to have more attractive rosters than the decimated Knicks. I still think Cleveland has the best shot.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
If you compare payroll’s, the Lakers are at $81M this year.
So in fact, they can keep these 4 and add Lebron, they have that $20 Mil plus another $18Mil or so to match that. Most of the teams that the Knicks would face in the playoffs are going to have similar payrolls. So infact, they have $38 Mil to play with and that can land them
Joe Johnson is curently making $14 Million this year. They could land him for maybe $16 per at that point.
Lamarcus Aldridge can conceivably be signed for $10-11 M.
That still leaves $12 Million for a bench.
Aldridge at C
Lee at PF
Chandler at SF
Lebron at SG
Joe Jeezy at PG
You still got Gallinari, Nate Rob, + 12 Million dollar bench with 3 point shooters like James Jones, JJ Reddick will come cheap, and some Bigs.
Not to mention how scary of a backcourt it’d be to have Johnson and Lebron, both built like linebackers playing against smaller and much much weaker guards.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
JCARR says:
Wow an NBA makeover for 2010. But the knicks will STILL suck
November 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
the rocket cat says:
The maximum salary that year will probably be about $16-$18 million, so I don’t know how the Knicks are going to pay LeBron $25 million, unless it is under the table, and I think the league would be all over that.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Arrogant says:
i would say get Lebron and an inside guy Bosh or Amare…throw in a good point guard like tj grab a few role players with the change like redick resign a few ppl and grab a few championships.
What other teams are in position to be in the 2010 sweepstakes for max players?
December 4th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
jose says:
lol you guys are ridiculous..already making a roster with lebron…what a joke
March 24th, 2009 at 4:12 am
mark s says:
i personally think that the knicks are best off if they keep the team they have right now, re-sign nate and david this off season and then chandler next off season, keep gallo, and then when 2010 comes around you go hard after d. wade, and you try, try, try to convince him to leave mia, the guy is a phenom, yes lbj can do some freakish things but lets face it, he’s unproven at finishing games, d. wade has that x-factor, he knows how to go out and win a basketball game and id hands down rather have him on the team, and the other guy they go after is amare which wont be hard to get him as he already has come out and said that he wants to play for d’antoni again, so just think of that line-up:
pg- nate
sg- d.wade
sf- chandler(gallo off the bench)
pf- lee
c- amare
you gotta keep nate, he is inconsistent ill admit but he’s the heart and soul of the knicks right now, he’s what knicks fans love to watch and he’s fearless, lee is a solid player, chandler has superstar potential and i think gallo does too, at least as an offensive threat, and the other reason you need to keep these guys is that you want the knicks to keep their identity, if you get rid of the knicks whole roster to get lbj and someone else then it becomes a completely new team that has to still find their own identity, the knicks are almost a playoff team and just coming in to their own and you add wade amare to that core they in my opinion become the team to beat in the east and for a long time with the youth they will have, plus i feel that those two guys will fit with the knicks tempo of play, so anyone else agree with me…?