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More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

by Tom Ziller on Jul 3, 2007 7:35 AM PDT in Free Agency/Trades

Now that Isiah Thomas has landed Zach Randolph, filling the hole at small forward has become the talk of the town.

Rashard Lewis is off the table (if he was ever even on it) and Thomas has said he won't used his midlevel exception, which is how some team is going to pay Morris Peterson. (Toronto isn't taking salary back.)

So of course Queensbridge's Ron Artest's name is back in the rags.

From the Daily News:

Thomas, the Knicks' president and head coach, already has had discussions with Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis. Toronto's Morris Peterson is also a free agent and there is a possibility that Thomas could make a run at Sacramento's Ron Artest.

And from the Post's Marc Berman:

While free-agent Rashard Lewis is their pipe dream, on-the-block Ron Artest is more attainable. Thomas had stayed clear of his former player because of his list of violent transgressions that soured owner James Dolan. With the acquisitions of troubled Zach Randolph, the character issue is dead.

Artest, whose fallen out of favor in Sacramento, makes sense. Small forward is the hole in the lineup, and Artest would make the Knicks a solid perimeter defensive team that would cover up their shot-blocking woes. [...] Thomas has 17 players on the roster - two above the max, so another trade is coming - even if it's lateral. The new players can't be dealt for 30 days.

Commenter cwebb offered up Artest for Dan Dickau, Fred Jones, and David Lee. It works under the cap rules.

Lee is a prize you can't pass up. One of the best rebounders in the league, an efficient scorer who doesn't take many non-layups. All that on a rookie contract. With Jones and Dickau being serviceable vets whose contracts are up this summer, it's a no-brainer... if Isiah complies.

And unless he is deeply in love with Lee, why wouldn't he? Zach Randolph is a great rebounder. Artest is the elite perimeter defender he thinks he needs. Combining those two with Eddy Curry -- that's a vicious offensive post team. Do it, Zeke.

If this deal actually hits the rumor mill but doesn't happen, you'd have to think it's Isiah's call, right? Petrie couldn't pass up Lee considering all the slop he's been offered.

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Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

Thomas loves to horde talent, even if said talent is employed in the loosest of terms. If he doesn't part with Lee what about Nate Robinson? Remember that the rumor was it was Robinson Petrie wanted to draft the year he took Garcia. Robinson is a little erratic and turn over prone but he'd syncopate with the youth movement and be (for now) a business class Bobby Jackson.

by rbiegler on Jul 3, 2007 7:42 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

Newsday discusses it as well, saying:

"Thomas previously has looked into the availability of Ron Artest, who reportedly is being shopped by the Sacramento Kings. Artest, who has two years and $16.2 million left on his contract, would cost less to acquire, though he, too, would come with baggage.
But Thomas has confidence in his own ability as a mentor."

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 3, 2007 7:59 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

you just gotta love David Lee.
good kid, hardnosed player, athletic (won a mcdonald's dunk contest) and a great rebounder. Just what the doctor ordered.
Nate wouldn't be bad either. A poor man's Bobby Jackson and an upgrade over Ronnie if he signs elsewhere.
Both are energizer bunnies and would become instant fan favorites in Sacto. Just not sure if Petrie pulls the trigger in the Nate package.

by cwebb on Jul 3, 2007 8:20 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I read somewhere that Lee was untouchable when negotiating the Randolph trade. But then again Frye was untouchable last year, so you never know. As the full time PF for the Kings, Lee would average a zillion rebounds a game.

by henryclemente on Jul 3, 2007 8:43 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

All I want for Christmas is for this trade to go through!!!!

by misterbrister on Jul 3, 2007 8:44 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

There are a lot of options here that would work under the cap. Lee and Crawford, Lee and Jeffries, Lee and cap unfriendly Malik Rose, etc. This has always been my dream place for Artest to go, Isiah has loaded up his roster with talented pieces that are totally movable(except Jerome James). But Lee has to be the center piece to any trade with NY.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Jul 3, 2007 9:14 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

If Petrie doesn't get Lee (which I don't see why that would be a big deal if he didn't) then get a 2008 1st rounder instead of Lee. I would prefer cap friendly off the contracts in 2008. Hell that would mean you could potentially sell Bibby for cheap also. If the Kings could clear most of Bibby/Artest's salary off the books then getting Spencer Hawes would make quite a bit of sense for the long term.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 9:19 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I would also like to get Randolph Morris who according to this article is being shopped. Maybe Morris and Lee and a trade exemption (New York already has 17 players under contract so they won't use the mid level) for Artest. Getting Morris would be like getting another top 15 pick in this years draft and getting Lee would solve so many issues.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Jul 3, 2007 9:22 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I thought I read somewhere that there MAY be a holdup in the Randolph/Francis trade somewhere. Let me see if I can still find it (god i hope not if the kings are getting dickau and jones back in a potential trade for artest).

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I think it was on Blazers Edge but I can't seem to find it on ESPN so I doubt it isn't going through.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I can wait for 30 days if David Lee Fred Jones and Dan Dickau are coming back.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 9:22 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

i love the lee and nate deal. lee is everything and more that you guys have said (he made a game winner with 0.1 seconds left). he is definitely the best player being offered in return for bibby/artest.

nate would just be the cherry on the top of this trade. he is a poor-man's bobby jackson, with a lot of street cred. he can also leap out of the gym, kind of like the dunk-of-the-year man (ronnie price).

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Jul 3, 2007 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I like Lee and Nate as well, although someone else would have to be thrown in to account for Ron's salary. Nate comes off the books next year, when all the free agents hit the market.

by misterbrister on Jul 3, 2007 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I've given some extra thought to this. I don't want Nate Robinson. David Lee of course DUH! Here's the other part of this too. If you acquire Jones and Dickau you're getting 6 million of pure cap room off the cap. If you make a cap friendly deal for Mike Bibby that could make you a real player in 2008 which would be the time to enter the FA market (if there is one).

David Lee is making 990,600 this year. There wouldn't be among a better bargain in the NBA for the kind of production he gives. Nate Robinson isn't worth it because of his attitude and he's too much of a scoring first PG. I don't see how the Kings benefit in more by bringing in Nate than Dickau/Jones myself.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 10:57 AM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I agree with Lee, of course who wouldn't on this Kings' roster. Nate is a tough one. Taking only his skill set into account I agree that Nate isn't worth it. However, Nate brings a entertainment value that only a few players in this league can bring. Every person in this forum would give $5 to see Nate dunk over Yao again. He would give the fans something to be excited about in an otherwise dismal season (perhaps the Kings will be good next year, I am still one of the hopeful).

My final verdict is that you only deal with NY if they want to part with Lee, otherwise just let Artest play out his contract and get nothing for him. Not the best but not the worst. At least that way you do not have to take on any more bad contracts to get rid of him. Besides Artest makes the national media interested in the Kings. Not that most here at SR care about such things, but I am in Houston and League Pass is expensive and dammit I want my Kings on TV.

by Mityt on Jul 3, 2007 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

I think we can get Lee and Crawford which would really make this team look nice. It would allow Petrie the opportunity to deal Bibby and Garcia could be a point forward with Crawford and Martin running all over the court.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Jul 3, 2007 1:50 PM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

Hell to the HIZZZZNOOO on crawford. No friggin way. Not ever. Hell no. Okay I don't like crawford and never did. Won't start today.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

A Knicks fan here...

I don't think you're getting Lee for Artest. Even Isiah (as moronic as he may be at times) isn't dealing Lee AND cap space for Tru Warier.

As a Knicks fan, Morris, Dickau, and Jones would be the most I'd give up (or possibly substitute Nate for Morris). Lee was our best player last year by FAR (as evidenced when the team went 3 - 18 when he got injured).

The only reason I could see Isiah moving Lee in a deal for Artest is that there are rumors that his leg still isn't healed and that the injury is far worse than previously expected. Just something to chew on...

PS - Hopefully "The Twinkie Towers" will NOT be an appropriate nickname for NY's new frontline.

by Twinkie Towers on Jul 3, 2007 2:02 PM PDT reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

Good to see some input from other NBA towns. I don't know if Lee is just a pipedream either, but I couldn't hold back from throwing some salt on your post, Twinkie. Don't count on Isaiah making the smart move... :)

by misterbrister on Jul 3, 2007 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

For the record Artest COULD opt out in 2008. Also 6 million dollars of cap room isn't a great deal of help to the Knicks I don't think. Not with Zach Randolph on the payroll.

As far as Lee he's the only guy of value on the Knicks that the Kings could possibly want for Artest. Otherwise why deal Ronnie? Last but not least you gotta make the numbers work and the Knicks don't have many cheap contracts. I doubt the Kings are willing to take Jared Jeffries back so the Knicks are SOL if they think they can deal crap to get Artest. Petrie won't deal unless he gets the value he wants back in return. I doubt that would be anything less than Dickau Jones and Lee.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 3, 2007 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: More Artest-Knicks Rumblings

Petrie will take a contract back if he can land Lee.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Jul 3, 2007 9:39 PM PDT reply actions

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