KnixinSix wrote:ScienceOfLosing wrote:VirginiaKnickFan wrote:
Umm...Ainge is asking for 2 #1 picks, plus players. It's not happening...book it.
I wonder if we even want him.
Richards was a great 2nd choice to Kessler but we shiz the bed there.
I don’t understand as Richards could have been had for a bargain. Why I question their desire for Kessler.
They may not have seen Richards as that elite rim protector. There is mixed reviews on that. Knicks dont really need much except that. Elite rim defense is their only glaring weakness. We can obviously score, we can rebound , we have plenty of personell to defend the perimeter, and 1 on 1 defend. Whats missing the most is elite rim protection and 1 more guy Thibs is willing to play. Ironically that could be Mitch that could address both those needs but the health is just too much a risk.
Enter Isaiah Stewart.....
Isaiah Stewart remains an interesting option since statistically he is one of the better rim protectors in the league. Detroit and our front office seem to be pretty friendly too. Stew is not fitting in quite as well on that Detroit team as he has had in years past so they might want to get out of that contract. He is not a gifted scorer but he isnt Jared Jeffries or Elfrid Payton either and we don't need a gifted scorer.
Stew might be the one to watch.
The biggest challenge with Beef Stew, who I agree would be a strong fit, is making it work with the 2nd apron next year. Stewart makes $2,045,454 more than Mitch next year, which would leave NY $6,923,584 below the 2nd arpon. You would need to round out the roster with 2 vet min guys making $2,100,000 and 2 2nd rd picks making $1,100,000 each. Which would leave only about $500k below the 2nd apron. This analysis includes Hukporti's team option being picked up and Jericho Sims sent to DET to complete the trade this year.
Hard to find other ways to trim salary to open a 3rd vet min slot unless Pacome is traded for a 2nd rd pick who is signed to a traditional contract like Kolek's, which would open up about $800k and a 3rd vet min slot, but leave the team right below the 2nd apron with 14 players on the roster.