A front-office executive in the league and another person familiar with the Knicks' thinking continue to say that Donnie Walsh will use his first selection as team president on Italian swingman Danilo Gallinari. Whether that selection is made with the sixth pick remains to be seen.
The Knicks continue to have interest in trading forward David Lee to Memphis for the fifth pick, which would allow Walsh to land not only Gallinari, but also UCLA point guard Russell Westbrook. But the team executive cautioned that Walsh is exploring other trade scenarios for Lee, and The New York Times has confirmed what Newsday reported in today's paper -- that Portland is one of those scenarios.
The Knicks and Blazers are said to be discussing a deal that would send Lee to Portland along with the No. 6 pick and another player for Portland's 13th and 27th selections and Steve Blake or Jarrett Jack. Such a deal would indicate that Walsh knows he won't get the player he really wants at No. 6 -- USC guard O.J. Mayo -- and prefers to accumulate extra picks, add a veteran point guard, and unload Lee in the process. Lee, a fan favorite and elite rebounder, isn't a natural fit for Mike D'Antoni's system and soon will be due a hefty contract extension.
Alan Hahn tells me that, despite Toronto's interest in Lee, the Raptors have yet to engage in any trade talks for him.
The Knicks also continue to shop Zach Randolph, but haven't found any takers for the three years and $48 million left on his contract.
Comments (5)
D.WALSH WANTS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. I'M AN ISIAH FAN, BUT NY WHOLE TEAM & PERSONNEL STANK LAST SEASON. NOW WALSH GOT TO CLEAR HOUSE BUT WANT TOO MUCH FOR A BUNCH OF SELFISH,OVERRATED PLAYERS. SO NOW THE ONLY FAN FAVORITE(LEE) HE WANTS TO TRADE FOR ??? REASON. FOR Z.RANDOLPH SIXERS WERE WILLING NOT TO GO ATER J.SMITH, GIVE NY 9 MIL CASH, & THE 16TH PICK. BUT WALSH WANTED MORE.HE SHOULD OF TOOK THAT & RAN WITH IT. NOW IT'S DRAFT DAY & HE'S STILL GOT ALL THOSE PLAYERS,EVEN THOUGH IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF MAKING MOVES. NY NEEDS
TO GET BACK ON THAT PHONE & BEG SIXERS NOT TO GO AFTER JOSH ( I & PHILLY WANTS JOSH BAD!) & ACCEPT A TRADE.HERE'S ONE FOR THOUGHT. SINCE NY DANGLING LEE. SEND Z.RANDOLPH, D.LEE, & THEIR #1 OR #2 TO THE SIXERS FOR R.EVANS,11MIL, & THE #1. SIXERS WON'T REFUSE. BUT I STILL LOVE JOSH!
unload all of them, but keep Lee, Crawford and Curry...
Get Gallinari! and unload Zach Randolph.
dont draft Gallinari, he could be another bust, crawford and marbury r gone after this season(crawford is has an opt clause, which every1 thinks hell use) we need to think longterm, randolph, lee and curry r locked up(assuming we resign lee after next season, which i read he wants 2 be a knick his hole career) i say we draft eric gordon or westbrook. The only way i say we trade lee is if we can get the 5th pick then we try 2 draft both players
Anh his eye ? Whats the problem DUDE ?
I think we are getting messy but its a process keep david (he can run and he is a double-double beast no where near his peak) and give away zach for some fritos and some grape soda he just won't fit. This new dude skills are to be seen.