The Zach Randolph Watch Begins
The World Famous LayupDrill Rumor Mill
11/13/08
Mike D’Antoni and the New York Knicks seem determined to make some moves before the holidays.
Though Knicks management continue to say they are not ready to waive Stephon Marbury, NY Newsday is reporting that the Nuggets, Cavs, and Bulls have all expressed interest in Zach Randolph.
Randolph, who up until arriving in New York was a 20 and 10 guy, is only 27-years old, and his best is yet to come.
If a team like Cleveland can land Randolph to compliment King James, it might actually be a better fit than if the Cavs signed Antonio McDyess.
In other possible moves, DallasBasketball.com is reporting that the Mavs and Bulls are in a bidding war over free agent guard Lindsey Hunter. Chicago is looking for Hunter to fill the void opened by the injury of Kirk Hinrich. Dallas is looking for Hunter to be a much-needed veteran backup to Jason Kidd. Word is Hunter will be making his decision as early as today.
Former Sonic great and current NBA TV analyst Gary Payton almost came out of retirement to play this season.
No, not in the league, but overseas, in China. Payton’s agent was in talks with the Shanxi Zhongyu team, but the two sides could not agree over salary. Reportedly, Payton was being offered $50,000 for 1 season, and Payton wanted $100,000. I’m pretty certain he is making more than that sitting in the NBA TV studio with Ahmad and C-Webb talking trash nightly.
We reported yesterday that the Lakers coach Phil Jackson was not going to commit to any long-term contract in the current season, and how the signing of Jackson will have a direct effect on if Kobe resigns with LA next summer.
The LA Times is reporting this morning that former Laker great, and current New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott, has always been intrigued about coaching his former team. The native of Inglewood, CA had his glory days as a player in a Laker uniform, and the possibility of coaching a roster that is loaded. Byron’s current contact with New Orleans ends after the 2009-10 season. Stay tuned.
9 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Blake Gibbs 7 months ago
great article man
i agree that ZR would be a pretty nice compliment to LBJ
The mavs DO need a back up point guard BADLY, but i dunno if hunter would really be that much of an upgrade
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D.Michael Lee 7 months ago
Well Hunter signed with Chicago today, so Dallas is back to the drawing board there.
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J Rock 7 months ago
To me ZR is not a bad player,as a knick fan I am pleased so far this season with the choices they made so far and if Randolph is traded who will we get for him I wonder but I have faith this season with the knicks, something I didn't have in a long time with this team.
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D.Michael Lee 7 months ago
The Knicks are surprising some starting 6-3 this season. If they can get some good players back in return for Randolph, then its not a bad move.
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Brian Harris 7 months ago
I don't know about trading ZR. He's a 18 & 10 guy and if they don't get that in return it's not worth it at this time. The guy seems to have bought into D'Atoni's system, so I say leave it alone. Right now he's the only inside presense that the Knicks have.
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D.Michael Lee 7 months ago
After last nights game, I think there will be alot more teams interested. The Clippers want him too...
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DJ 7 months ago
It wouldn't make sense for the Knicks to trade ZR. He's been arguably their best player so far in the young season. He works well with Wilson Chandler and David Lee. The Knicks should trade Eddy Curry for a bag of basketballs and a second round pick. They need to cut salary so they can sign D-Wade or LBJ in 2010.
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Paul Nuzzi 7 months ago
I can't help but think that if they did move Zach, which at this point is looking like it would be up to the Knicks to decide how greedy they want to be, that Curry might be able to play and excell. Seems crazy, but just 18 months ago, Curry was an unstoppable force on the offensive end. If he was healthy, I think they would have a chance to trade him to Golden State for Baby Al., but his Knee problems make it tough. Will he opt out at end of this season?
The Knicks do not have to trade Zach, but think again if you think a Zach/Chandler/Q front line would win a tittle. Zach is performing well b/c he is matched up with Centers. That means to maintain his success, the Knicks either need to find a 4 that can make up for Zacks less than excellent D, or find a center and see if Zack produces the same at the 4.
Walsh is shrewd, and it will be interesting to see what move he settles in on.
I've got an interesting offer.
Zach to LA for Kaman and Eric Gordon. It doesn't solve the cap problem, but it gets an excellent young prospect, and Kaman who could be moved later, or could stay at the 5 if they can move Curry.
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Tomer Talmy 7 months ago
Randolph has been having a good season and it would be a mistake to trade him now.
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