| Jazz Eyeing Knicks Moves Authored by Derek Flack - November 24, 2008 - 7:25 pm
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People are already speculating that the Knicks trades were made for the simple reason to get under the salary cap in time to lure these luxurious free agents that will be available in two years. Donnie Walsh has done an admirable job in turning the Knicks franchise around, even if it is a two year plan that still has some unknown variables. Regardless, the NBA will likely be relevant again in New York City in just a few years.
Meanwhile, while these events are taking place on center stage, the Utah Jazz are quietly watching from the side as things are unfolding perfectly for Utah’s own 2010 off-season.
It started back in January, 2004, when Isiah Thomas pulled off a trade with the Phoenix Suns that shipped Howard Eisley, Antonio McDyess, Charlie Ward, a 2004 draft pick, and a future protected draft pick to the Suns for Stephon Marbury and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.
The protected draft pick involved in that infamous trade was shipped again a month later by the Suns along with Tom Gugliotta to the Jazz for Keon Clark and Ben Handgloten (anyone remember him?).
That draft pick was originally lottery protected and has become less and less protected over the subsequent years. For this season, the 2009 NBA draft, the pick is top 22 protected and is unprotected in 2010.
It is very unlikely that the Knicks will finish this season as a top-eight team and surrender their pick in the next off-season, so chances are the Jazz will retain the rights to this draft pick in two years for the 2010 NBA draft.
With New York’s primary concern being to get under the salary by 2010 and being less worried about fielding a competitive team that can compete for a championship in the present bodes well for Utah’s future.
It’s possible that the Jazz could have holes to fill by then that a high 2010 draft pick could help accommodate. Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Kyle Korver can each opt of their contracts after this season concludes, and with the sizeable contracts already awarded to Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko it would be difficult to resign all three if they each opt out. The Jazz will also have to make personnel decisions regarding Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap, who will each be looking forward to big raises. Millsap, who makes $797,581 annually, is the lowest paid player on the Jazz roster and is also one of the best bargains in the NBA. He is vastly underpaid and will surely cash in somewhere else if the Jazz don’t offer the type of money that players like him (Jason Maxiell, 4 years $20 million) get paid.
Even if the Knicks can lure LeBron to the Big Apple, New York will undoubtedly feel the sting of watching a potentially high draft pick handed over to another team. Who would have thought that New York would still be feeling the presence of Isiah Thomas in 2010?
Any questions or comments feel free to contact me at derek_flack@msn.com. |
