UNDER CONTRACT: F Amar’e Stoudemire, F Carmelo Anthony, C Tyson Chandler, G Jason Kidd, F Steve Novak, C Marcus Camby, G Iman Shumpert, G Raymond Felton, F Kurt Thomas, G J.R. Smith, G Pablo Prigioni, F Chris Copeland, F James White, G-F Ronnie Brewer, F-C Rasheed Wallace
DRAFT PICKS: None of consequence
FREE AGENTS: G Mike Bibby, G Baron Davis
MOVES: For the Knicks, the early offseason was more about who got away than whom they landed. They seemed to have the inside track to signing Steve Nash until geography allowed the Lakers to swoop in and snare the All-Star guard. Undaunted, New York remained focused on aging, savvy point guards by prying Jason Kidd away from Dallas with a three-year, $9 million deal, using the mini-mid-level exception. The plan was to have Kidd serve as a mentor to Jeremy Lin. The Knicks swore they would match any offer Lin received as a restricted free agent. But while waiting for Houston to deliver a backloaded three-year, $25 million offer sheet, GM Glen Grunwald made a pair of head-scratching deals in which he mortgaged a good portion of the farm. First, he sent Toney Douglas, Josh Harrellson, Jerome Jordan, 2014 and 2015 second-round picks and $2 million to Houston for 38-year-old Marcus Camby in a sign-and-trade, giving the center $13.2 million over three years ($10 million guaranteed). Then Grunwald packaged Jared Jeffries, Dan Gadzuric, draft rights to two Greek players, a 2016 second-round pick and $1 million to Portland for a signed-and-traded Raymond Felton – coming off a terrible season – and Kurt Thomas, who turns 40 in October. Felton was given $10.5 million for three years, and his addition led to New York not matching Houston’s offer to Lin, allowing a good, young, highly marketable player to get away and turning point guard from an exclamation point into a question mark. New York’s other moves were pretty sound. It re-signed J.R. Smith to a two-year, $5.6 million deal and Steve Novak to a four-year, $15.8 million package. They also made a number of roster-filling signings, inking defensive-minded Ronnie Brewer, athletic journeyman James White, 35-year-old Argentine point guard Pablo Prigioni and Chris Copeland, who has been playing in Europe. However, at least one of those players will not make the roster following the signing of Rasheed Wallace just before the start of training camp. Wallace is coming out of retirement after two dormant years; at 38, he is just the fourth-oldest player on the roster. Yes, Wallace can be volatile, but he and coach Mike Woodson were together on Detroit’s 2004 chanpionship team.
TO-DO LIST: Part of the reason why the Knicks didn’t get Nash was because Toronto signed RFA Landry Fields to a three-year, $19 million offer sheet that prevented New York from including Fields in a sign-and-trade for Nash. The Knicks got even by not matching on Fields, leaving the Raptors to overpay him. Brewer was signed to help fill in at shooting guard until Iman Shumpert recovers from his torn ACL but will miss training camp and preseason due to a torn meniscus. That may force Kidd to play some shooting guard early in the season, which he had done in Dallas in recent years.
PROJECTION: After a decade of incompetence, the Knicks were coming off two straight playoff appearances while becoming more of a defensive team with the additions of Tyson Chandler and Shumpert. They had the benefit of a somewhat stable coaching situation as they entered a full training camp. And then they spent the offseason reverting to their impatient, overspending ways, looking for the quick fix to end the 40-year championship drought. In doing so, they became one of the oldest teams in the NBA and didn’t resolve their biggest problem – finding a point guard whose skilled direction will prevent the offense from always winding up in Carmelo Anthony’s demanding hands. The Knicks believe they have a championship contender. They are certainly a playoff team, but time will tell whether they are experienced or just old. In the meantime, New York will be leveraged against the supertax for the foreseeable future and is down a ton of draft picks over the next four years. It seems like a familiar formula, and not one that has worked.
(RELATED: What grade did the Knicks get?)
For offseason analysis of every team, click here.
We don’t know the future, but here’s what’s likely to happen. The knicks will start out slowly with a below 500 record, people will complain about the inability of the PG position to make the offense work and gel together, Amare will struggle with Carmelo hogging the ball, the “new” old guys will be struck down with constant injuries, fans will wish for the good old days of Linsanity, and NY will once again disappoint all with barely making the playoffs and getting bounced out in 4 or 5 games, Carmelo will blame everyone but his ball hogging self, Grunwald will try to figure out how to get rid of all his high priced long term help.
Although I would rather hold on to Josh Harrellson, none of the other players that we gave up were worth losing a minute of sleep about. I, for one, really like everything except for losing Lin. Even so, I don’t believe he was with what he was paid. This is going to be one really tough defensive team. I wish that we had just a tad more perimeter scoring. This team is much better than last year’s team and should contend for the title.
It’s an odd argument to make when you lament not paying 27-game Lin $25M for 3 years, then complain the Knicks are throwing money around as per usual. They also passed on overpaying Landry Fields. All of the new additions signed on for under $3M, with Novak the only one longer than 3 years. The Knicks were finally prudent and cost-aware.
To call Grunwalds’ small, role player moves head-scratching is head-scratching. Toney D needed a new outpost as much as anyone in the league, and Jerome Jordan was the definition of big man project, having played the year before in Siberia. So basically, Grunwald traded Josh Harrelson, a nice role player from the 2nd round, for Marcus Camby, an old fan favorite, and excellent backup to Tyson. The other trade was basically nothing of value for a starting Point guard in Felton. Felt and Camby (+KT) in exchange for crumbs Grunwald found at the bottom of the roster.
One reason we even were able to do two such moves/steals was because Grunwald dropped Bill Walker for Gadzuric at the end of last year, thereby having Gadzuric’s non-guaranteed deal to throw in a junk package. SHrewd GM-ing.
As for age, the Knicks three core starters — Melo, Amare and Chandler are in their prime and signed for 3 years. Ty and Amare will hit 30 to begin the seaosn. Makes sense for Knicks to try to win now, and Grunwald has nicely lined up almost all contracts to expire together. Felton and Brewer also young vets. Average starting age is probably 28, with everyone with a year or two away from that. Camby and Kidd are key backups and are old, but experienced and were both starting up to last year. Prigoni and KT are also old, but are basically 3rd string insurance players.
Knicks have Shumpert and a 1st round pick next year.
Nothing wrong with a vet team contending.
I simply love my knicks….and I love this article cause its a cause for debate…Love to agree to disagree…I totally have to disagree about the Knicks giving up to much for vets…I havent seen a team of 22 year kids win ring ever..its always been a team full of vets…since I could remember. I have to agree with a few of the commnets were made here..how come when teams like the Clippers, Grant Hill, Lakers Nash, Nets Stackhouse, Celtics Garnett, Heat Allen…get veteran players they are praised for the signings…but when its the Knicks…they are OLD…I could of sworn all of these guys…are pushing there late 30’s….Second..why is it when Melo was in Denver….he was being praised and being called at one point..one of the top 5 or 3 ball players in the NBA..now when hes on the Knicks he’s a nut…IVE NEVER THE MEDIA REFER TO HIM AS A NUT IN DENVER…Meanwhile..Kobe is a ballhog..I even watched Derek Fisher openly admit he wished Kobe pass the ball….but..he has rings so its ok to go nut..which he’s always done. How come Durant and Westbrook can shoot a million times, what about Dirk…7 foot shooting guard which he really is..Melo is supposed to shoot..hes a star..Just like Ewing was, D Wilkens, Bird, Wade, James, are and were on there teams….seems like every player the Knicks get come critics..but when those same players are on other teams..they are praised like Kobe gets praised by the media…but the entire league knows hes a ball hog…
Tomorrow, Tommy Dee will write article on how his trusted sources insist LBJ and Phil Jackson are waiting in the wings to replace Melo and Woodson by mid-season. Don’t miss it! Lol…
Is it me, or is this website continuing to spiral down the toilet with these hack “journalists?”
CS – you gotta clean house and get rid of some of these fools. What happened to the non-biased, non-sensationalized, practical journalism you promised when this site started?
If you disagree with my opinion of what the Knicks have done this offseason, that’s fine. We actually disagree with what the Knicks have done within our staff. Moke, who comes down on the Knicks harder than any of us, actually thinks they’ve regrouped well after losing out on Nash and Lin. I see them mortgaging all their future assets and flexibility, which is inarguably something that they have done before. It worked for a while but ultimately had disastrous long-term results.
But to refer to me as a hack and a fool is uncalled for and misguided. I have been covering this league since the mid-1990s and following it since the early 1970s. I have forgotten more about the league than most current writers know. I covered hundreds of games – many of them at MSG – 12 straight Finals, 10 All-Star Weekends, and international tournaments. I have regularly appeared on multiple radio stations to offer my opinion on the NBA. My copy is routinely spotless. If it has any sort of tone to it, it is usually an old-school one. In addition, I coach the game at the high school level. And unlike the Jason Whitlocks of the world, I NEVER troll. I only write what I believe. If it incites or not, so be it.
Disagree all you like. But save the name-calling for children, OK?
Thanks for reading.
With all due respect, sir – I’m a journalist, as well. Yet, I’m never inclined to rattle off my resume when I’ve been called out. I let it roll off my back. So, let’s not start in with who’s really acting like children, OK? Second of all, this is not a question of disagreeing with your opinions. This is a clear challenge to the editors of this site to deliver to the readers what they were promised when this site started.
Let’s dissect your “essay.” (and I’m being generous here). You open your piece by saying, “For the Knicks, the offseason has become more about who got away than who they landed.” Now you tell me, is that an objective opinion, or just another opportunity to sensationalize the Jeremy Lin situation? Your intent here is as transparent as plastic wrap. You spent more time talking about Lin, Nash, etc., than you did explaining how the Knicks shored up their roster with proven veterans and guys with rings to make a push for a championship. Will the plan work? I have no idea. That’s why – as they say – you play the games. But that kind of story doesn’t really get site hits, does it CB? Don’t for a single second think you’re fooling anybody.
It’s hack journalism, and the readers deserve better. End of story.
The plan was Nash and Lin. They ended up with Felton and Kidd. I think who got away is a tad relevant. Melo’s ball domination was a very real issue for this team last season. As far as “proven” veterans, what have Novak, JR Smith, Felton and Brewer really “proven”? That they’re not up to holding down a starting job? That they’re not postseason tested? Look at what the Celts, Heat, Nets, even the Pacers have done. I don’t see these additions to a team that has been a shade over .500 and 1-8 in the postseason over the last two years pushing into conference finals territory.
Oh, so Jason Kidd isn’t a proven veteran? Neither is Kurt Thomas or Marcus Camby? Then how come every time these guys are up for free-agency, it’s always playoff teams that come calling? For a guy who’s so proud of his “old-school” mentality, and enamored with his own nostalgia, you seem to forget that Thomas and Camby were part of the Knicks last run to the finals. Are they much older now? Sure. But where the body fails, the mind prevails: their presence will be felt in the locker room and that’s an important dynamic to a winning team. Plus, they’re still able to contribute something, even if it’s only 15 minutes a night, or to step up if another body goes down. Seriously, what did Leon Powe prove prior to joining with the Celtics in ’08? What had Shane Battier proved before this year? That he could guard Kobe Bryant better than anybody, but still be sent packing by mid-May? So don’t tell me the Knicks haven’t tried to get the best vets and proven players that were available to them. They were a hair away from getting Nash, as you noted, but the consolation prize was hardly garbage.
You’ve got the audacity to play back-seat GM and question Grunwald’s decisions, yet only a moron would give 25mil over three years to a point guard who never played more than 30 pro games ever. He couldn’t stay healthy, and until Lin get’s back on the court next year and actually proves that he’s a sustainable player, he’s a glorified D-Leaguer. The Knicks actually showed prudence for once by NOT over-paying for flashes in the pan – which I’m not 100% certain Lin is/was, but no one – not me, not you, not anybody – can really be certain until LIN proves otherwise.
So, you can cry all you want about giving up Lin, Harrellson, and (I can’t believe I’m typing this) Toney Douglas, but the window of opportunity for the Knicks is now – not 3 years from now, not 5 years from now. Will it work? I don’t know… again, that’s why they play the games. But whether it works or not is not the point. The point is that the Knicks are going all in this season – win, lose, or draw. This should have been your focus, but instead you went for site hits over substance.
And oh yeah, by the way, that’s exactly what the Knicks need to do – keep the ball out of their best player’s hands (Anthony).
Man, Chris Sheridan – this is quite the crack staff you got here….
Smh.
Stop hating on people for writing about the truth. Going from being one of the NBA’s youngest team’s to being the NBA’s oldest team in one summer is dispicable! Glen Grunwald and James Dolan both couldn’t run a middle school basketball team let alone run the Knicks. Face facts, Knicks are gonna suck again until those morons are gone! Maybe next season they’ll give Kidd and Felton away for nothing… Oh wait, they’re not worth anything, Nevermind!
And Bernucca thinks I’m a child… lol.
PG: Felton, Kidd
SG: Shumpert, Smith
SF: Anthony, Novak
PF: Stoudemire, Thomas
C: Chandler, Camby
What about that team screams contender? To me, it screams 7/8th seed and a 1st round exit. If the Knicks played in the West, they wouldn’t sniff the playoffs.
Three things, 1. Knicks didn’t use valuable cap space to sign Felton and Camby or Thiomas. They were already over cap and will be over for the foreseeable future. Without these sign and trades (which become unavailable next year), those positions would have been filled with vet minimum. (read J Stackhouse) 2. If Knicks had reverted to old ways, they would have paid Lin without thinking twice. 3. Yes, the Knicks hopes hinge on the team’s ability to play keep-away with Anthony. Another brilliant article.
Why does it feel like Groundhog Day with this team. Let’s trade anything young and promising and replace it with overpaid players who are on the backend of their careers. I guess the sucker born every minute are the NY Knicks fans who thought after all the hard work done by previous manage to fix up the roster has been completely undone.
Anyone who thinks Josh Harrellson and Toney Douglas will be more than glorified role players has obviously not watched the Knicks. This may very well be the worst article I’ve read about the Knicks current situation. Who is this guy?
For Marcus Camby? Think about it – 3 players and 2 draft picks and then his contract. Draft rights, another draft pick and $3 million for Kurt Thomas and Felton. And nothing for Lin? And you think those are great moves? Yeah, Josh Harrelson, Jordan, TD, etc. will not be anything other than marginal role players, but you don’t think thats a lot for a bunch of 40 years old and a PG coming off his worst season in a city that was ready to get him out of town any which way they could?
theres nothing wrong with a guy putting up 25 plus points a game.. Dirk. Kobe. Lebron. Durant. u gona ask those guys to stop taking shots and put up a casual 20? please
The knicks CAN buy second round draft picks if need be. Also, Kidd and Camby are likely to retire in a year or two and they now have the flexibility of using these signed contracts in potential trades.
This is a win-now team and is building accordingly with the right side features. Everyone kept saying “the Knicks need time to gel…” Well with this team locked in place for the forseeable future, they will.
Chris, you know how much I always liked Camby, his original trade, with Nene for McDyess started their 10-year decline. But I agree that they overpaid yet again, giving away too much youth and future potential. The kid Harrellson in particular showed me some good stuff last year and I think he will be in this league in some capacity for a long time. And I haven’t given up on Toney Douglas either, maybe a change of scenery would help, because Woodson obviously didn’t trust him. As long as Dolan is running the show, I’m wary of most moves this team makes anyway.
“Over the next four years, they are down two first-round picks and two-second rounders. Hasn’t this team been down this road before?”
When did they have the Defensive Player of the Year, back to back playoff appearances, and one of the top players in the league? I’ll grant you that cap flexibility is lost, but to claim that this is par for the course for the post 2000 Knicks is inaccurate and illogical.
and the truth is the article is wrong, they are not down 2 first rd picks, they have 2013, they dont have 2014, they have 2015, and in 2016 Denver has the right to swap first rd picks, but the Knicks should still be the better team, if not, it will be close, and they still get a first rd pick…
I understand the discomfort of getting older players. But we needed a stable bench to help gel certain areas. Was Boston wrong for resigning Kevin Garnett, no and signing Jason Terry. Also, was Miami wrong for getting Ray Allen who had an injuried prone season last year as well as the declining Rashard Lewis. Recently, the Nets came to an verbal agreement with Jerry Stackhouse. The Lakers signed Steve Nash as well. These situations is very close in every way. But why do the knicks get the negative feedback. At the end of the day we are building a “win now” team. As long as these players can play the role and add to the team collectively as a unit then we should be good
Spot on! Comparing this team to the 2000 team is crazy! Dude has no clue about the Knicks. If we got Nash and gave up Shumpert we’d still be getting bashed that we lost our best perimeter defender for a 40 yr old. Lakers get him, give up 2 1st and 2 2nd rd picks and they’re geniuses.. Sports writers like this douche need to stop talking crap about the Knicks because it’s the cool thing to do.
If you look at the Lakers offseason summary, you will see that I said that they gave up a lot for Nash and that the Suns took quite a haul for someone who could have walked away scot-free.
Who cares what you wrote about the Lakers? You’re writing about the Knicks in this particular piece, and Knicks fans know their shit. You clearly didn’t do your homework and you pandered to the “Let’s bash the Knicks for fun” crowd. Why don’t you just man-up already and admit you wrote a crap article and you got called out on it?
the Knicks are not down two first rd picks, they are only down one, the 2014 is going to Denver, and the Knicks will be a playoff team that year again, so that pick will be in the 20’s. Yes they have given away a few 2nd rd picks, but their window is now, and very few if any 2nd rd picks in the 50 range pan out to be good players, their window is the next three years, and then just about everyone comes off the cap and they will need to reload, hopefully then, there will be a few stars that are free agents that want to team up in NY and the reload will be done that way.
Considering all “agreed to terms” situations as done deals. If they fall apart, we will update accordingly. But he’s coming back, probably on 2-year deal
We re-signed J.R. Smith? Officially? When did this happen? Last I heard it was speculation but you sound as though it’s a done deal.