Woj Kemba buying out of okc signing with NYC

[HopelessKnick]

After sleeping on this I have to say I love it even more than yesterday, if possible. Such a great move by Leon.

If Kemba gets somewhat healthy and can play at 80% the level he played in Charlotte, the Knicks will have a fun season. Can you imagine a winning knick team with a packed MSG rooting like crazy? Rose and Walker need to be managed properly in terms of minutes and we'll have very strong PG play for all 48 minutes. I'm pumped.

In the bigger picture this move could be a real turning point or game changer type of move: If this team can stay somewhat healthy we must have one of the deepest teams in the league. And player decisions do influence each other to some degree---I'm sure after last season some players where thinking to themselves that the Knicks and MSG can be a great place to play basketball. Now Kemba joined---keeping in mind we have loads of picks, young talent, a great coach and a management with hopefully some connections and likely looking at another strong season---it should be only a question of time until a superstar player forces his way here (despite Dolan and everything). Essentially if a Beal becomes tired with losing in Washington and decides to leave them---we'd have loads of picks and some young talent to throw at them. On top of that, none of our big contracts are really immovable---if say Beal wants to leave them but the Wizards play hardball and don't agree to a sign-and-trade I think we could easily get rid of 2-3 contracts and create some space.

The Knicks are (barring any major injuries) in a formidable position. Not good, but formidable--and that despite Dolan. I am utterly happy for all knick fans.


One interesting note: It was said that Kemba wanted to join the Knicks in 2019 but didn't want to come with no support and couldn't persuade Khris Middleton to join him, so he chose the Celtics. This pretty much confirms that Durant was never interested in joining the Knicks at all---I mean he could have teamed up with Kemba in MSG and been a title contender as well.

[FutureKnicksGM]

Damn Leon got us a pg! At that price he's definitely worth a shot. Hopefully he can turn back the clock to his all star form. Worst case he can shoot so still better than Elf.

[aq_ua]

Damn Leon got us a pg! At that price he's definitely worth a shot. Hopefully he can turn back the clock to his all star form. Worst case he can shoot so still better than Elf.

I bet Kemba has something to prove after last year's poor performance and being essentially contract dumped. There's nothing like a good player with something to prove.

[HighRyzer83]

And he can definitely get the ball out of Randle's hands late in games.

Lonzo Ball!

What does that even mean?

[Tron Carter]

peeped the C’s board and man are they down bad..

Thibs is going to love having Kemba on the floor LOL. And I guess the Thunder paid a hefty price for that #16 pick.

I hope this means that the Knicks will let Elfrid Payton or Frank Ntilikina walk. They've already got Rose and Quickley, and now Kemba.

I like either Payton or Ntilikina on a one year deal. Payton, in particular, played very well for the Knicks last year.

[knicks94]

Was excited about this deal and the season until I lost all hope after getting a reality check from Max Kellerman.

[aggo]

peeped the C’s board and man are they down bad..

Thibs is going to love having Kemba on the floor LOL. And I guess the Thunder paid a hefty price for that #16 pick.

I hope this means that the Knicks will let Elfrid Payton or Frank Ntilikina walk. They've already got Rose and Quickley, and now Kemba.

I like either Payton or Ntilikina on a one year deal. Payton, in particular, played very well for the Knicks last year.

LOL ARE YOU TELLING ME THEY HAVE TO SIGN ELFRID PAYTON?

[Tron Carter]

Was excited about this deal and the season until I lost all hope after getting a reality check from Max Kellerman.

listening to that trash take machine in the first place was your first mistake..

[HighRyzer83]

Was excited about this deal and the season until I lost all hope after getting a reality check from Max Kellerman.

It's not a reality check it's a hater ranting unchecked. He's essentially said the same thing last year and predicted we wouldn't even make the playoffs. Pay no attention to that scumbag.

Perkins on the other hand, called it correctly about us making the playoffs and unfortunately getting beat by ATL. He has some sense

[Jump Shot]

Was excited about this deal and the season until I lost all hope after getting a reality check from Max Kellerman.

It's not a reality check it's a hater ranting unchecked. He's essentially said the same thing last year and predicted we wouldn't even make the playoffs. Pay no attention to that scumbag.

Perkins on the other hand, called it correctly about us making the playoffs and unfortunately getting beat by ATL. He has some sense

That clown Perkins called the Knicks making the playoffs before the start of last season?

I'd respect him a bit if true.

[prophet_of_rage]

Yeah and NBA contracts aren’t discussed before the 6pm start time too

A lot goes on beyond the scene. The Knicks obviously were involved/aware of Kemba’s buyout because they had a deal in place the exact time he was bought out.

Also, deals don't always happen in a certain order.
Yet fans think that unless it all makes sense to THEM within the first 15 minutes of free agency, they'll be rioting in the streets.

I got to be the contrarian and bring up that Nunn offer. The Knicks did work out this behind the scene but it feels like it was a Hail Mary that thankfully worked. I give them all the credit for this, but at the same time will admit they got lucky Kemba wanted to come home. Luck being opportunity meeting preparation they get credit for preparing the ground work. For a guy like Kemba this is an intriguing situation. He and Rose can play around each other, and the Knicks have a few guys who can carry the load between them as well. Selling his fit with the roster to Kemba is why they get paid the big bucks.

I would think it more likely the Knicks and Kemba’s agent worked it out than it was a known thing Kemba was going to leave. Stuff like that isn’t a secret long.

Kemba was plan D after free agents, trade for Sexton, Nunn ... but plan D worked.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

[Reign23]

still relieved because of the good kemba deal and the team options 24 hours later.

[HopelessKnick]

Also, deals don't always happen in a certain order.
Yet fans think that unless it all makes sense to THEM within the first 15 minutes of free agency, they'll be rioting in the streets.

I got to be the contrarian and bring up that Nunn offer. The Knicks did work out this behind the scene but it feels like it was a Hail Mary that thankfully worked. I give them all the credit for this, but at the same time will admit they got lucky Kemba wanted to come home. Luck being opportunity meeting preparation they get credit for preparing the ground work. For a guy like Kemba this is an intriguing situation. He and Rose can play around each other, and the Knicks have a few guys who can carry the load between them as well. Selling his fit with the roster to Kemba is why they get paid the big bucks.

I would think it more likely the Knicks and Kemba’s agent worked it out than it was a known thing Kemba was going to leave. Stuff like that isn’t a secret long.

Kemba was plan D after free agents, trade for Sexton, Nunn ... but plan D worked.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

There weren't really great FA PGs availabe. As for Sexton, I would have liked him but it is unclear what the asking price was. I personally always thought that Cleveland would be asking at least for Quickley back in a deal, maybe even Barrett. Despite Cleveland's limited success last season, he did average 24points/4 assists on good shooting percentages. The rumored Knox + first round pick deals were more knick fans pipe dreams than realistic trade scenarios IMO. Whenever you give up a 24/4 PG that can shoot and is just 22 years old, you better get some substantial players back or a very high draft pick. Trading Sexton for a bust and mid-first rounder really never made sense for Cleveland.

[HopelessKnick]

If Kemba can get himself right and be 80% of Charlotte-Kemba than this deal is much better for the Knicks anyways. The Knicks, if healthy will challenge again for the 4th seed and IMO have enough firepower and great coaching to make the 4th, 5th or 6th seed and play a more competitive Playoff series. And then they'll further restore their reputation and have practically all their chips available for a potential superstar trade. Giving up young assets + picks for Sexton may have hampered their ability to put together a major package for a superstar player down the road.


Either way I am absolutely fine with the current trajectory: If Kemba and Rose can stay somewhat healthy and appear in 60 games each and be healthy for the playoffs then this knick team will win 45-50 games and be a tough out. + They'll have all their young players, picks and other assets available to jump in for a superstar trade + all their contracts are movable. The Knicks are for once in a formidable position despite Dolan.

[HEZI]

peeped the C’s board and man are they down bad..

Thibs is going to love having Kemba on the floor LOL. And I guess the Thunder paid a hefty price for that #16 pick.

I hope this means that the Knicks will let Elfrid Payton or Frank Ntilikina walk. They've already got Rose and Quickley, and now Kemba.

I like either Payton or Ntilikina on a one year deal. Payton, in particular, played very well for the Knicks last year.

You love to see it

[Adelheid]

peeped the C’s board and man are they down bad..

Thibs is going to love having Kemba on the floor LOL. And I guess the Thunder paid a hefty price for that #16 pick.

I hope this means that the Knicks will let Elfrid Payton or Frank Ntilikina walk. They've already got Rose and Quickley, and now Kemba.

I like either Payton or Ntilikina on a one year deal. Payton, in particular, played very well for the Knicks last year.

LOL ARE YOU TELLING ME THEY HAVE TO SIGN ELFRID PAYTON?

I suppose the grass is greener on the other side stance, but Elfrid Payton? Really? Guess they werent really watching knicks games

[prophet_of_rage]

I got to be the contrarian and bring up that Nunn offer. The Knicks did work out this behind the scene but it feels like it was a Hail Mary that thankfully worked. I give them all the credit for this, but at the same time will admit they got lucky Kemba wanted to come home. Luck being opportunity meeting preparation they get credit for preparing the ground work. For a guy like Kemba this is an intriguing situation. He and Rose can play around each other, and the Knicks have a few guys who can carry the load between them as well. Selling his fit with the roster to Kemba is why they get paid the big bucks.

I would think it more likely the Knicks and Kemba’s agent worked it out than it was a known thing Kemba was going to leave. Stuff like that isn’t a secret long.

Kemba was plan D after free agents, trade for Sexton, Nunn ... but plan D worked.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

There weren't really great FA PGs availabe. As for Sexton, I would have liked him but it is unclear what the asking price was. I personally always thought that Cleveland would be asking at least for Quickley back in a deal, maybe even Barrett. Despite Cleveland's limited success last season, he did average 24points/4 assists on good shooting percentages. The rumored Knox + first round pick deals were more knick fans pipe dreams than realistic trade scenarios IMO. Whenever you give up a 24/4 PG that can shoot and is just 22 years old, you better get some substantial players back or a very high draft pick. Trading Sexton for a bust and mid-first rounder really never made sense for Cleveland.

I agree. I'm just saying for the naysayers who are down on the FO because Kemba "fell" into our laps that it was an option we were able to take advantage of because of their planning.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

[KnixtapeH20]

peeped the C’s board and man are they down bad..

Thibs is going to love having Kemba on the floor LOL. And I guess the Thunder paid a hefty price for that #16 pick.

I hope this means that the Knicks will let Elfrid Payton or Frank Ntilikina walk. They've already got Rose and Quickley, and now Kemba.

I like either Payton or Ntilikina on a one year deal. Payton, in particular, played very well for the Knicks last year.

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL


Now THAT is the definition of delusional. This giy clearly only watched maybe a few games or a box score. Lmao I'm dead

[HopelessKnick]

Kemba was plan D after free agents, trade for Sexton, Nunn ... but plan D worked.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

There weren't really great FA PGs availabe. As for Sexton, I would have liked him but it is unclear what the asking price was. I personally always thought that Cleveland would be asking at least for Quickley back in a deal, maybe even Barrett. Despite Cleveland's limited success last season, he did average 24points/4 assists on good shooting percentages. The rumored Knox + first round pick deals were more knick fans pipe dreams than realistic trade scenarios IMO. Whenever you give up a 24/4 PG that can shoot and is just 22 years old, you better get some substantial players back or a very high draft pick. Trading Sexton for a bust and mid-first rounder really never made sense for Cleveland.

I agree. I'm just saying for the naysayers who are down on the FO because Kemba "fell" into our laps that it was an option we were able to take advantage of because of their planning.

Sent from my SM-N970W using Tapatalk

Oh yeah got it. Yes definitely, Kemba turned us down 2 years ago because he didn't want to join the team with no help---the recent success must have definitely influenced him a lot. It seems it was a no-brainer for him to join the knicks. We will see how it pans out for us but it is clear that at 2 years/20mill. and essentially no risk involved, many contending teams would have been interested in him and he probably could have chose between a couple different teams. If the Knicks were a losing team right now, someone like Kemba would have gone to Philly, Indiana, Denver, Clippers etc.---some team with a winning perspective. But with the Knicks being more respectable and adding Rose it is just a perfect fit. Both guys can share the load, preserve their bodies, rest here and there, make the playoffs and have the garden rockin.

[Jay10]

Yeah what about the first half? Minutes are minutes for young players totally irrelevant that he finally was embarrassed into reducing Paytons minutes.




Good lord some of you are drowning in the MSG Kool Aid. He wasn't even a league average efficiency player. He put up counting stats playing berserk minutes on a 7 or 8 seed roster in a normal year. Legit MVP?

Jokic
Embiid
Giannis
Curry
Luka
Lillard
Kawhi
LeGM
AD
Young
Tatum
Mitchell
Booker
Harden
Healthy KD
Healthy Kyrie

are all a wide margin better than Randle. MVP caliber is insane.

Why do you think Tom Thibodeau won Coach of the Year?

Because of covid and he is coaching in New York.

Julius was "MVP caliber" because of what he was able to do with the lesser talent around him compared to the players on your list.

Rack up wins against regular season teams that packed it in or lost half their roster to covid all on below league average efficiency playing max minutes? Only to look like Tony Campell in the playoffs when a team tried. How about the simpler answer. He's not MVP caliber.

The Knicks went into last season expected to be one of the worst teams in the league and Thibodeau got them to a 41-31 record.

So the Knicks were supposed to purposely lose to the teams that "packed it in", then your excuse would've been, "how could they lose to teams that packed it in or lost half their roster to covid"?

He was an MVP caliber player for the 2020-2021 season. Who is saying he's going to be MVP caliber from here on out?

With what Julius had to work with in the 2020-2021 season, he did more for his team than any player on your list above did because they were either playing with 2 or 3 "star/superstar" type player(s).