Melo Drama Coming To An End?

The Carmelo Anthony trade saga is nearly over.

Indications are that a trade is imminent with the New York Knicks, with only minor details to be worked out before an agreement is reached, a league source said.
Anthony was not at the Nuggets' practice tonight, as they resumed workouts following the All-Star break.
Names that have been mentioned in a possible Anthony trade include the Nuggets' Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter.
Billups left the Nuggets practice facility Monday night after declining to speak to the media.

The Knicks, it has been rumored, could give up Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Eddy Curry.

Read more: HERE
 

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Knicks Turned Down Melo Deal

According to Donnie Walsh Denver asking for too much:

The Nuggets offered Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the Knicks for Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry and at least one first-round pick.

Denver's interest in Felton isn't that surprising. He played under George Karl's long-time friend, Larry Brown, at Charlotte for two seasons and is eight years younger than Billups. However, Billups' $14 million salary for the 2011-12 season is a team option. If the team doesn't exercise that option, Billups receives a buyout worth approximately $4 million.

Would you take this trade if you were the KnicksGM?

Read more: HERE

Isiah-era Knicks That The Don Had To Fix: Where are they now?

All the talk in the city yesterday was about the hiring of former vice president of Nuggets basketball operations Mark Warkentien as Knick consultant,possible heir to the "Don",they are several other potential predecessors out there to take over for the real KnicksGM,69 year old Donnie Walsh.The question the streets wanna know is will the "famously unpredictable," James L. Dolan retain his 2012 option by the deadline of april 30th reported by the New York Times. I say instead of grooming his replacement while he is arguably the GM of the year,besides the former Knicks coach that fled after 94,how about we make him feel appreciated for the great work he has done like landing STAT and lock him up for as long as he wants to be the KnicksGM.

Internally, there are fears that Dolan will attempt to bring Isiah Thomas back to run the team, the Times reports.

Here is a rundown and update of the players the last KnicksGM brought into NYC.

THE BALLERS they tried

Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies Had a brief and forgettable stopover with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now producing the usual gaudy numbers for Memphis: 20 points and a career-best 13.2 rebounds a game. Has not made the playoffs or been part of a winning team, though the Grizzlies have a shot at the eighth seed in the West. Salary in 2008: $13.3 million. Current salary: $17.3 million. How he left: Traded (with Mardy Collins) to Clippers, for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas, on Nov. 21, 2008.

Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks Won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season, simultaneously proving that Crawford was a) one of the better players Isiah Thomas acquired and b) was miscast by Thomas as a starting guard and No. 1 scoring option. Remains a key reserve for playoff-bound Hawks, but scoring and shooting percentages have dipped, to 15.9 points and 43 percent. Salary in 2008: $7.9 million. Current salary: $10.1 million. How he left: Traded to Warriors, for Al Harrington, on Nov. 21, 2008.

David Lee, Golden State Warriors Named an All-Star in final Knicks season, albeit as an injury replacement. Was the best member of a bad Knicks team, averaging 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds. Now a solid member of a poor Warriors team, averaging 16 points and 9.7 rebounds. Salary in 2008: $990,000. Current salary: $10.8 million. How he left: In sign-and-trade deal with Warriors, for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike, on July 8, 2010.

Nate Robinson, Boston Celtics Other than Crawford, the only Isiah-era Knick to play a major role for a playoff team. Helped fuel Celtics’ Game 4 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010 N.B.A. finals. Now averaging 7.7 points and shooting .412 as the Celtics’ sixth man. Salary in 2008: $1.3 million. Current salary: $4.2 million. How he left: Traded (with Marcus Landry) to Boston, for Eddie House, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens, on Feb. 18, 2010.

Wilson Chandler, Knicks Thomas’s best parting gift — a talented, low-maintenance, high-scoring forward who always plays hard and improves every year. Averaging a career-best 17.4 points. Current salary: $2.1 million. Future: A free agent this summer, could be used in trade for Carmelo Anthony or let go to make room for Anthony.

ON THERE LAST LEGS hanging by a thread

Quentin Richardson, Orlando Magic Opened season as a key rotation player, became superfluous when Magic acquired Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson. Played 57 minutes in January. Salary in 2008: $8.1 million. Current salary: $2.3 million. How he left: Traded to Memphis, for Darko Milicic, on June 26, 2008.

Jared Jeffries, Houston Rockets Found niche as versatile defender in his final years with Knicks. Niche in Houston is between 13th and 14th seats on the bench. Has made 17 appearances this season, averaging 7.8 minutes. (Side note: Thomas, upon signing Jeffries, said he would “balance the plane ride.”) Salary in 2008: $5.6 million. Current salary: $6.9 million. How he left: Traded to Houston (with Jordan Hill) in three-team deal that brought Tracy McGrady to Knicks, on Feb. 18, 2010.

Renaldo Balkman, Denver Nuggets The hustle. The hair. The Rodman-like nose for the ball. There was little to enjoy about these Knicks, but Balkman’s frantic energy was something. He is more static now: He has played 44 minutes this season. (Side note: Balkman was drafted one spot ahead of Rajon Rondo in 2006.) Salary in 2008: $1.3 million. Current salary: $1.7 million. How he left: Traded to Denver for Taurean Green, Bobby Jones and a second-round pick, on July 28, 2008. (Jones and Green were later waived.)

Eddy Curry, Knicks Symbol of an era of overpaid underachievers. Peaked in 2006-7 (19.5 points a game), regressing ever since. Unable to stay healthy or in shape jeopardizing career. Has appeared in 10 games since start of the 2008-9 season. Salary in 2008: $8.9 million. Current salary: $11.3 million. Future: If Knicks cannot trade his expiring contract by Feb. 24, they will probably waive him.

WASHED UP,NOT IN THE ASSOCIATION steph should be ashamed of himself

Stephon Marbury Benched by Coach Mike D’Antoni. Refused a buyout. Took a buyout. Joined the Celtics. Played sparingly. Declined to re-sign with Celtics. Wanted better offer. Found no other offers. Went on YouTube. Ate Vaseline. Now playing in China. Salary in 2008: $19 million. How he left: Waived Feb. 24,2009.

Jerome James Often injured, always jovial, rarely in shape. Spent a lot of time on what came to be known as the Jerome James Memorial Stationary Bike. Presumed retired. Salary in 2008: $5.8 million. How he left: Traded (with Tim Thomas, Anthony Roberson) to Chicago for Larry Hughes on Feb. 19, 2009.

Malik Rose Consummate nice guy, veteran of two Spurs championship teams, tried best to infuse professionalism in a chaotic environment. Now a broadcaster for the Spurs. Salary in 2008: $7.1 million. How he left: Traded to Oklahoma City for Chris Wilcox on Feb. 19, 2009.

Mardy Collins Steady, selfless guard. Not particularly good at anything. Out of league after failing to make Washington Wizards last fall. (Side note: Paul Millsap was still on the board when Collins was drafted in 2006.) Salary in 2008: $967,000. How he left: Traded (with Zach Randolph) to Clippers on Nov. 21, 2008.

Fred Jones Won 2004 slam-dunk contest. Won 23 games in only season with the Knicks. Spent 2008-9 with Clippers. Has not been seen since. Salary in 2008: $3.3 million. How he left: Was not re-signed after 2007-8 season.

Randolph Morris When Knicks signed him straight out of college — via little-known loophole — Thomas said Randolph was like an extra first-round pick. Like an extra Mardy Collins. Salary in 2008: $810,000. How he left: Was not re-signed after 2007-8 season.

SOURCES:New York Times
VIA:offthedribble.blogs

A Respectable Trade We All Can Live With

By now I know you all have heard a rumor or two involving Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks but here is a trade scenario via bleacherreport.com that I really like for all parties involved.

It's a three team trade involving the Knicks,Bobcats and Nuggets.

Knicks get Carmelo Anthony

Ray Felton is having a career year and to keep it going strong after the All Star break Donnie Walsh should look to get him some help.A play making point guard who can backup Ray who will accept his role assisting the likes of Amar'e,Chandler and Melo.So how about Felton's ex teammate D.J. Augustine


Bobcats get Al Harrington,Aaron Afflalo and Bill Walker.

Al Harrington comes to ball every night,we as NYK fans saw his grind first hand last year and the Bobcats can use what he brings to the court. Afflalo is a player on the come up and would replace what they loose in Augustine.Bill Walker with added playing time will continue to improve,his three point range has improved within the last couple weeks alone.He would make that team really athletic all around with his dunking ability.

Nuggets get Stephen Jackson,Danilo Gallinari,Eddy Curry and Landry Fields

That's a package in my opinion the Nuggets should jump on without any hesitation.It would include a first round draft pick of course or Anthony Randolph.It allows the Nuggets to dump the salary of Al Harrington,gain youth in standout rookie Landry Fields and with Gallo and Action Jackson gives them help today for a playoff run.Not to mention Eddy Curry's contract

It isn't perfect and its allot of speculation but I'm sure this can be used as a framework to something we all can walk away happy about.

READ MORE bleacherreport.com

Eddy getting back on track?

via espnnewyork.com

D'Antoni: "I think he’s healthy now, so it’s a matter of getting him back with the guys and learning the system a little bit. We’ll see what happens. It’s a little early yet."

Donnie Walsh: "He’s getting to the point where he’s going to [go full-court]; we just didn’t do it [yesterday]. I like talking to Eddy. I think he’s a good kid and I want to see him do well."

Raymond Felton: "He looks good. I’m just happy to see him out here actually practicing with us, so that’s a good thing."

Ronny Turiaf: "I can’t wait for him to come back and help us out on the basketball court."

Curry/Azubuike Practice Sessions

200G lawsuit dunks Curry

via nypost.com

Injury-plagued and money-challenged Knick center Eddy Curry is being sued over an alleged $200,000 debt.

Curry was sued in Los Angeles by Mojo Development, which claims that it lent him that much in 2008, TMZ.com reported yesterday.

The suit adds that Curry -- who signed a $60 million contract in 2005 but has played just 10 games the last two seasons -- also owes $136,000 in interest and a $25,000 "consulting fee."

A rep for Curry, 27 -- who'll miss the first weeks of the upcoming season with a hamstring injury -- couldn't be reached for comment.


Read more: HERE

Knicks Enlist Mason To Work With Curry

via realgm.com



The Knicks have enlisted former forward Anthony Mason to work with Eddy Curry as he looks to save his career yet again, according to a New York Post report.

Mason worked with Curry on the court Tuesday, but the former player's work with the center will mostly take place behind the scenes, specifically in the weight room.

Mason is trying to get back into the league as a coach/special instructor.

"I admired Mason as a player and I'm trying to help him," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said.

"He wants to get back into the league. I don't know if it's going to [be] us who hires him, but if someone calls, I'll help him."


Read more: http: HERE

Knicks Plan To Waive Curry After Deadline

via NYPost.com

"I'm trying to hold down, curb my enthusiasm," D'Antoni said of Mozgov. "I think he can play. I don't see anything bad."

D'Antoni never mentioned Eddy Curry, expected to be waived after February's trading deadline when his expiring contract no longer is a trading pawn.

Curry strained his hamstring on the camp's second day and is out at least four to six weeks. The Knicks declined to bring him to Milan and Paris.


Read more:HERE

New-Look Knicks, but Same Old Curry

via nytimes

Howard Beck reports

He has never looked more out of place and less relevant to the team’s future.

Through two days of practice, Curry has been relegated to the third unit, with the rookies and free-agent invitees. He has slogged through drills. On Saturday night, he was lapped by an entire group of players as they weaved through cones around the court.

By the end of Sunday’s practice, the third of camp, Curry was a spectator, watching his teammates jog with medicine balls while he stood near a basket stanchion. He is nursing a tight hamstring, making this the third straight camp that Curry has been injured.

“Obviously, we’re pushing these guys hard,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He misses anything, it just makes it a little bit tougher.”

Asked if Curry was already behind, D’Antoni said, “Well, yeah.”

The setback was almost predictable. Curry reported to camp weighing 325 pounds — a 20-pound increase since April — according to a person in the organization.

Team officials had asked Curry to come back closer to 300 pounds. They also asked him to attend voluntary workouts in July and September. Curry never showed. He was the only player not to attend voluntary workouts and scrimmages this month.

Curry stayed home in July to be with family after the birth of his son. He said he stayed in New York for two months last spring but chose to work out on his own over the summer, with a trainer in Ocean City, N.J.

“It’s just what I wanted to do,” he said last week.

Read the entire article HERE

Eddy Curry not at Training Camp?

via: NYpost.com

Eddy Curry has claimed another dubious distinction -- last one in.
The Knicks' 7-foot center still has not shown up at the team's Westchester compound to participate in pre-training-camp voluntary workouts/scrimmages, according to multiple sources.
With new Russian center Timofey Mozgov arriving in New York last night, Curry will become the last Knicks player to report, according to sources. The official reporting date is Friday, with two-a-day practices starting Saturday.
Knicks brass hasn't seen or heard from Curry in more than three months. Curry, in the final year of his contract, also blew off the July summer league in Las Vegas, where he was expected to work out. Curry has spent most of the summer in Chicago, where a warrant was out for his arrest for failure to pay a judgment. He's also been seen at the Jersey Shore.

The Knicks have been told he is in good shape. But despite his massive weight loss, Curry was still in the 300-pound range when last season ended.
The Knicks were told Curry would arrive just after Labor Day. Didn't happen. Then they were told he'd be in Westchester last week. Didn't happen. They expected him again yesterday. Didn't happen.
Despite an uncertainty at center, Knicks officials view Curry as a giant question mark. Team scouts are excited about Mozgov's play for Russia in the World Championships. Coach Mike D'Antoni is looking to get 25 minutes a night from potential starter Rony Turiaf, along with using Amar'e Stoudemire and Anthony Randolph as a power-forward/center tandem.
*
Because of Curry's expiring contract worth $12 million, he's been viewed as a potential pawn in a Carmelo Anthony trade. Regardless of Anthony's preference to join the Knicks, the club is not considered to be in the running to get him via trade.
The Nuggets are looking for multiple first-round picks. Because the Knicks don't have their 2012 pick, they are not permitted to trade their 2011 or 2013 picks.
marc.berman@nypost.com

Eddy's days are done and he knows it...