Isiah: David Lee Not On the Table

Some interesting things written by Berman in this article. First he mentions that Lee won't be involved for talks to Artest. Then he says he would likely be included in a deal for only Bryant or Garnett. Then he mentions his minutes will probably drop because of Randolph. I'm confused now. I really am. If Isiah is trying to tip Petrie's hand then that maybe so. But I think there is a very intriguing part to this passage that makes me think that Knicks fans are trying to be appeased and eased into a potential Artest for Lee swap. He mentions at the very end of the article that that Jones/Dickau can't be traded until later in the Summer (August 29th or later or somewhere around that date). Jones and Dickau are probably 2 players of interest to Petrie if for nothing else they expire this season AND they fill 2 roster spots.

So here are some other things of note about this that catches me eye. As good as Artest was down the stretch, and by any reasonable observers account he was the best player down the stretch, then that will hurt the Knicks in any negotiation down the road. First Petrie will demand Lee as he is both young and fits a dire need on the roster. Plus he's cheap for the next 2 seasons a point that hasn't surely slipped by Petrie's eye. But there are problems that are being forgotten about Artest too from our end.

What if Theus really wants to run? As good as Artest is he is not that type of player. There is no way this team can run up and down on the court with Ron Artest and Mike Bibby jacking up terrible shots all game. That just won't be possible. Ron is a halfcourt grind it out player. I can't see how at some point this won't come into play from Isiah's end. However Isiah will cave into an expectation of trying to get this team into the playoffs. Or that is what we see this as. What is really happening is that the chess match that is the Knicks are doing several things. First reminding fans that they aren't done wheeling and dealing. Second that they are the Knicks and will not be taken by those pesky cowtowners. Third that Artest is too much of a risk to give up their prize young asset of David Lee. Or is he? Fourth this may be a shot to Petrie to tip his hand and to give in once and for all. The Jazz had the opportunity I'm sure to sell Andrei Kirilenko for cheap however they didn't do so. Kevin O'Connor is a pesky and expects to win every trade he's ever made. He doesn't give anything away and won't with anybody on that roster. However Petrie is not quite that stingy. He will make whatever deal he thinks is best for the team. He can afford to wait out the Knicks all summer. Jones and Dickau can't be moved till almost September anyway. And that's why I don't believe a single word by Berman.

"And the trade to Sacramento was another blessing from God because playing for Rick Adelman elevated my status." - Ron Artest, quoted by ESPN. Does that help the chance of getting a deal done involving the Rockets?
Elton Brand is said to be still quite pissed off about how the last season ended. The Clips lacked toughness last year. Brand and Artest are good friends. Does that help the chance of getting a deal done involving the Clips?
The key on dealing Artest to any of the above mentioned teams may be the inclusion of a third team. Since Artest is not expensive and will most likely opt out at the end of the year, Petrie is only motivated to trade Artest if he can get back cheap, young talent (like David Lee) and/or draft picks. Expiring contract means nothing, as Artest will be gone anyway, and you figure most of these teams will be offering no better than mid to late round pick.
For example, does Artest go to Houston, Battier and one of Houston's "cheaps" and their pick to Atlanta, Shelden Williams and Tyronn Lue and his expiring contract and a pick to the Kings.
One other thing - If Thomas does not swing a deal for Kobe or KG (the only trades in which he will supposedly include Lee) he not only runs the risk of decreasing Lee's value (due to reduced playing time this year behind Randolph), but he also virtually eliminates the Knicks from acquiring Artest on the free agent market, unless it's via a sign and trade, as the Knicks will only be able to offer the mid level exception (I can't remember if Kusian, jjham or Otis pointed that out first).
I'm not convinced that this is completely dead yet...