New York Knicks: Recapping the Knicks' Wild Wheeling and Dealing

The Knicks are a massively different team than they were a couple of days ago.

They made a big splash that their salary situation made seemingly unlikely. However, with a creative trade and use of the new amnesty clause, the Knicks were able to make waves in this wild and compact offseason. 

The Trade

New York got Chandler in a three-team trade involving Washington and Dallas. They unloaded Ronny Turiaf, and his $4.3 million salary. ESPN's Ian Begley reported the terms of the deal.

New York sent Ronny Turiaf, cash considerations and a 2013 second-round pick to Washington. In addition, they sent second-year guard Andy Rautins to the Mavericks.

The Knicks will also add two players who do not have current salaries on the books, as they acquired the draft rights to Ahmad Nivins and Giorgos Printezis from Dallas.

Amnesty

To afford Chandler, the Knicks had to rid themselves of salary.  To accomplish this, they gave amnesty to Chauncey Billups and eliminated his massive $14.2 million salary from the books.

Billups' Future

This may mark the end of Billups' 35-year-old career.

ESPN's Ian O'Connor quoted Billups' agent, Andy Miller, after the news of Billups' amnesty broke. Miller: 

"

But I wouldn't be surprised if Chauncey retired rather than play for a team he wouldn't want to play for. He doesn't need the money, his kids are getting to an age where he wants to be an active participant, and he doesn't need the frustration and instability he's constantly dealing with. So he may choose not to play.

"

While Billups may be contemplating retirement, he is clearly not set on it. This news may just be a statement to keep teams from claiming him off of waivers.

Billups told Yahoo! Sports, and it was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, “I want my freedom. My goal is to control my own destiny."

Billups likely wants to get another run at a contender. Don't be surprised to see him re-surface with the Heat.

Tyson Chandler

The Knicks landed one of this year's prized free agents in Tyson Chandler. The 7'1" center was third in voting for Defensive Player of the Year last year in a season where he averaged 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for the Dallas Mavericks.

He was a key cog in the Mavericks' championship run. Exact contract deals are not yet know. What is known is that in order to make this signing, the Knicks had to clear some serious cap space.

The Final Nail in the Coffin

The Knicks added a huge piece in becoming a championship-caliber team. Chandler is a perfect fit for this team. He gives New York the defensive presence they need down low to ease the strain on Stoudamire.

He will add great rebounding, post defense, all while running the floor and keeping this an up-tempo team.

However, while this move is a huge upgrade at the center position, it does nothing to help their non-existent front-court depth.

The Knicks have to find a viable player to ease the minute load on A'mare Stoudamire.

This move also leaves them without a point guard, though Mike Bibby may be filling that void.

Bibby can still be effective for 20-25 minutes a game. This will leave him to split the duties with Toney Douglas. That is less than ideal, but it is good enough. 

If New York can stay healthy, they have the talent to make a deep run. However, with their lack of depth, that health—especially with Stoudamire—is far from guaranteed.