younggunsmn wrote:Interesting. Trading Luke would lock us into Flynn long term. Randolph is going to be worth more than that Utah pick (mid 20's) in a weak 2011 draft. Randolph could provide some interior D as a backup PF if he can clear the rocks out of his skull.
Kind of doubt NY would bite for 2 reasons:
1. Poor return for Randolph
2. Ridnour's contract screws up their 3yrs. 3 big FA plan (melo 2011, CP3 2012), although a new CBA or lower revenues could kill that dream anyways.
They could bite though as they currently are playoff bound and D'antoni is a very PG-centric coach and Ridnour would be a perfect fit.
NY wouldn't pursue a 2012 FA if they Traded for Melo (which is the only reason they'd pursue Luke IMO). They'd likely have to jettison Gallo, Fields, Mozgov, etc just to be even remotely close to Max $$$ in 2012, and even then it's HIGHLY unlikely with a Melo extension.
Walsh reiterated recently that getting a Big 3 like what Miami did isn't exactly the only way to Win. He's been pushing hard for a Deep Team like the Indy and Knicks had, rather that a Big 3 with no Depth.
I have a strong feeling that he'll try his best to Trade for Melo rather than sign him, because it would not only lock him up but also open up more Options for NY. Including:
--The use of the MLE
--Allow NY to resign Chandler (if he isn't already moved in a Deal)
--Explore other followup Trades (like this one), now knowing what you have locked into place and what your Salaries would look like
--Get Chemistry building early, using the rest of this Year, rather than having to wait for Training Camp and next Year (or after with a possible Lockout), and risk a slow start like the Heat had.
--Mags
