Knicks trying to pair LeBron w/ T-Mac?
If they do, then you can bet your ass the Knicks will be the team to beat next season.
After getting the services of multi – time All – Star Tracy McGrady this 2010 NBA basketball season from a three team trade with the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings, the New York Knicks were able to clear enough salary-cap space for the Knicks to possibly sign two maximum-salary free agents this summer.
That’s right, the New York Knicks could recruit LeBron James by giving him the option of choosing which other free agent he wants from the likes of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki.
However, getting LeBron James out of Cleveland won’t be easy since the Cavs, who own the league’s best record, bolstered their lineup with the addition of former Wizards forward Antawn Jamison. If Cleveland advances to its second NBA Finals stint in four years with LeBron, the odds of him leaving his home state figure to be diminished.
Sorry Knicks fans.
The New York Knicks aren’t the only team to clear cap space. The Chicago Bulls, a team featuring point guard Derrick Rose and a better core group of players than the Knicks, also have the cap space to sign James. The Los Angeles Clippers also created room, while Miami also has space and the chance to have James to pair with Wade as a teammate.
As far as the Knicks and their marriage with Tracy McGrady is concerned, T-Mac was eager to restart his career in New York but unfortunately for him, his time here will likely be brief. The Knicks realistically don’t have much of a chance in reaching the playoffs and you never really know what you’ll get from McGrady at this point of his career.
There are reports that McGrady is finally 100 percent healthy after micro fracture surgery on his left knee. Despite that, he has only appeared in 41 games since the start of the 2008-09 season. This season prior to his move to New York, he was averaging just 3.2 points and 7.7 minutes in six games off the bench for the Rockets.
McGrady’s best days are clearly behind him, while the Knicks hope their best arrive in July.
Donnie Walsh must believe he can recruit at least one elite player or else, it is unlikely that he would have mortgaged the future in the McGrady deal. Besides sending Larry Hughes’ expiring contract to the Kings, Walsh traded Jeffries, rookie Jordan Hill and two first-round picks to the Rockets.
The 2011 first-round pick is protected only if it isn’t the top overall selection. The 2012 pick is protected through the first five spots in the draft. The Knicks’ 2010 unprotected pick belongs to the Utah Jazz and was originally traded by Isiah Thomas in the Stephon Marbury deal with Phoenix. All told, the Knicks have essentially traded away an unprecedented four consecutive first-round picks.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, they will most certainly lose some sleep over this deal if they don’t sign a big name superstar soon.
Which team will win the 2010 NBA Finals? SPORTSBETTING.com has the odds.
Orlando Magic 7-1
Boston Celtics 5-1
Denver Nuggets 12-1
Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.com for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.
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