Knicks Trade Points To The Future

Following today's trade of Jamal Crawford for the Warrior's Al Harrington, there has been a lot of "analysis" pointing to the fact that either the Knicks or the Warriors got the short end of the deal. The fact is, they both won.

Harrington to the Knicks

The biggest piece of this, and likely the primary reason for the trade, is a contract that runs out before 2010. This was the goal coming into this season. Crawford would have cost the Knicks more than $10 million in 09-10. With that money gone, the Knicks get closer to being under the cap enough to sign one of the big free agents of 2010.

Crowded backcourt, crowded frontcourt, the Knicks seem to have it all. But, in Mike D'Antoni's new system, Harrington actually fits in quite well. If you have watched the Knicks recently, their issue is in the low-post.

Zach Randolph is the only player in the frontcourt who deserves to start (not because of his defense). David Lee's play has been erratic and Wilson Chandler would be much better off guarding slightly smaller players.

Harrington would bring an athletic force to the front line. Unlike Randolph, he can jump; unlike Lee, he can hit consistent jumpers, and he can also bring what the Knicks seem to be lacking—someone who can block shots and force his way into the paint for easy lay-ups and dunks (which have been few and far between, not counting breakaways).

Crawford to the Warriors

It's obvious that Harrington and Coach Nelson did not get along. This was further exacerbated by Harrington's request to be traded.

In finally doing this, the Warriors have gotten rid of a player sitting on their bench collecting more than nine million this year. It also adds a dynamic player who plays the one or two and can shoot, cut to the basket and breakdown a defense. 

In the end, Crawford can awe you with his shot array and game winners, or he can leave you pulling your hair out with his shot selection and his off-nights.

The Knicks Improve

Whether you believe it or not, this trade helps the Knicks now and in the future. Chandler will get more time to develop at the two and three, Nate Robinson will get more time at the two and the Knicks will get more consistent play in the low post. Add this to the fact that the team is one contract move away (Curry and Z-Bo, you are on notice) from one of the prized free agents of 2010.

If the rumor of Randolph to the Clippers is true, Donnie Walsh will have solved the Knicks salary cap problems in one day.

After the cap problems that have persisted since the Ewing trade, I'd call that a win.