Zebo for Darko? Knicks Forward Zach Randolph Could Be on Move for Milicic

Another rumor has surfaced that the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in New York Knicks power forward Zach Randolph. The proposed trade would have the Knicks acquiring former first-round pick Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric for Randolph, nicknamed "Zebo."

These players are being tossed in trade rumors because their roles look to be diminished next season. By acquiring OJ Mayo, Darrell Arthur and Marc Gasol, the Grizzles are looking to build a young, up-tempo team full of athleticism, and both Serbian players should find themselves passed on the depth chart

General manager Chris Wallace would be unwilling to include any of his core players, such as Rudy Gay, Mike Conley or Hakim Warrick. Memphis has concerns about Zebo’s attitude and poor defensive play. However, Randolph possesses outside range, can score from the low post, and rebounds well. Last season, the Grizzlies ranked 18th in rebounds per game.

Milicic has never lived up to his potential as the second-overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He did not receive playing time early on in his career with the Detroit Pistons, and has been playing out of position with the Grizzlies. He is not a center, and his strong suit is not playing with his back to the basket.

Milicic, who agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract last offseason, would be better suited in Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system as a big that can run the floor and catch and shoot. The seven-footer is still only 23 years old and registered 1.6 blocks per game last season. That would help the Knicks, who were last in the NBA with 2.59 team blocks per game.

Marko Jaric has been in the league for six seasons and would provide the Knicks with size and a three-point shooter in the backcourt. The 6’7” Serb shot 36 percent from downtown last season and could be a solid player off the bench in the new offensive system.

By adding Randolph, the Grizzles would beef up the power forward position. Warrick and Arthur both stand 6'9" but weigh less than 225 pounds each. The 260-pound Randolph averaged a career-best 23.6 points and 10 rebounds during the 2006-07 season in the Western Conference. The former Portland Trailblazer is still only 27 years old and would help form a formidable frontcourt with budding star Rudy Gay and 7'1" center Marc Gasol.

The Knicks have put Randolph on the block for a while now, and Donnie Walsh would be pleased to get rid of the $48 million left owed to him, but only for good value in return.

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