Donnie Walsh Backing Off a Trade He Initiated?

According to close sources the trade involving New York Knick Zach Randolph for Serbians Marko Jaric and Darko Milicic are intensifying and expected to finalize after Monday. Walsh has confirmed organizations have been conversing, but denies a done deal.

The trade that would send Z-Bo to Memphis would be beneficial for the New York squad due to his supposed inefficiency to play under the D’Antoni system. Also, and more importantly, Randolph’s $48 million throughout the 2010-2011 season will be off the books and his locker room and on court circus play would be long gone.

In July, Walsh almost traded Randolph to the Clippers but denied the offer, stating he could get much more for the second-leading Knicks scorer.  

Throughout their careers Milicic and Marko have never lived up to their expectations, especially Milicic who was drafted second after LeBron James. However, Z-Bo’s departure is an opportunity to clear substantial cap space in preparation for the Knicks' pursuit of blue chip players in the 2010 season.

This trade will put the Knicks' two players over the maximum 15. However, the forward position will be wide open for players of extreme potential in Lee and Chandler who seem appropriate under D'Antoni's high tempo style.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?