Cavs and Knicks talking big?

August 18, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

Alan Hahn over at Newsday.com and the Knicks Fix blog, mentions a possible trade brewing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks involving Zach Randolph. Right now the talk is pure speculation as he says most team executives are on vacation. Even so there are a couple scenarios where a Cavs and Knicks trade would make perfect sense.

The Cavs have a couple big contracts that they’d love to get rid of if possible, especially if it helps fill one their needs, one of which is low post scoring. The first scenario would be Wally Szczerbiak for Randolph. Wally is a huge threat from the outside, and we know Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni loves his outside shooters. His career 40.5% shooting from behind the arc would help Mike open that offense up. Wally would be able to step right into the starting lineup too, as rookie forward Danilo Gallinari will be a long shot to start right away. The deal would work under the salary cap as well, Zach is owed $14.6 million this year, while Wally is making $13 million).

Another possibility would be big man for big man. Zach Randolph for Ben Wallace. Big Ben would give the Knicks something they’ve lacked for many years, interior defense. It’s been a long time since the Knicks have had a big man who can strike fear into opposing offenses and at the same time be a rebounding force. The lack of scoring would hurt but hey the Knicks have plenty of players who can pick up the slack. Contract wise? Wallace is due $14.5 million this year, and $14 mil next. While he is under contract longer it wouldn’t hurt the team long term as his deal expires right before the big summer of 2010.

Like I said earlier the Cavs need some scoring in the post and Randolph could definitely provide that. He’s a career 16.3 points per game but played well above that the past few seasons. With a scorer like Zach, the court will REALLY open up for Lebron James to roam free. Not like he needs the open space, but for the Cavaliers to take that next step and become true contenders they need secondary options.

Personally, I’d do the deal that involves Wallace. I’ve always liked Szczerbiak as a player but trading Randolph away for a small forward would devastate this team in the post. This would leave the team with Eddy Curry as their sole option down low, on offense AND defense. And do any Knicks fans really believe he can get the job done?

Unfortunately, I can’t see a deal really happening at this point. If there are still whispers circulating about a possible deal come training camp time, then and MAYBE then we can start taking this more seriously. Till then might as well just enjoy the random rumors while we eagerly await tip off.

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