Source: Deal For Mutombo Being Discussed By FRANK ISOLA Daily News Sports Writer The Knicks continue to explore ways of landing Dikembe Mutombo, but Knicks GM Scott Layden's reluctance to trade any of his "core" players is holding up a potential three-way trade. A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed yesterday that the Knicks, Hawks and Grizzlies have discussed a deal that would send Mutombo to the Knicks and small forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim to Atlanta. However, Vancouver feels it is not getting enough in return to make the deal work, according to the source. The trading deadline is 6 p.m. Thursday. Thus far, the Knicks are unwilling to trade Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston or Marcus Camby. The Grizzlies would take Houston but only if they can be assured the shooting guard, who can opt out of his contract this summer, would re-sign with them. Few if any free agents consider Vancouver an appealing place to play. That could change in the near future, with the Grizzlies expected to move to either St. Louis, New Orleans or Houston's hometown of Louisville before next season. The three-way deal has been talked about "constantly," according to the source. Last summer, Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts told Houston the club would not trade him, and from all indications the Knicks want to re-sign him. Phoenix is also trying to trade for Mutombo, the 7-2 shot-blocking center who will become a free agent after the season. Atlanta is under no pressure to deal Mutombo before Thursday. It can always wait until Aug.1 to either re-sign him or negotiate a sign-and-trade deal. In the latter scenario, the Knicks are considered the favorite to acquire Mutombo. That deal seems more likely than Sacramento's Chris Webber ending up in New York next season. Layden is also searching for a point guard. Rod Strickland, Mookie Blaylock and Mike Bibby are available but it's doubtful the Knicks will end up with any of the three for a variety of reasons. ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the Knicks are able to trade any contracts that go beyond this season in a deal for Mutombo, they actually create cap room (much like Seattle did by acquiring Patrick Ewing), which gives the Knicks a better chance of getting Webber if they renounce Mutombo at season's end. ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
Clutch, I believe the Knicks are 35-40 mill over the cap, so they won't get any capspace if they renounce Dikembe. If they get him, they'll want to keep him. ------------------ Good night everyone, Canadian or American. Just remember that we're all bound together by basketball, the internet and the mullet. (My attempts at trying to sooth over an international incident).
Clutch,I THINK you might be right about the salaries,but, Do you think the Knicks WOULD renounce Motumbo?...They are loaded with forwards and assuming they are able to retain most of their key players,I would think they would have enough to challenge in the weak,centerless East for a few years.Capspace could come after that.Maybe I'm wrong... ------------------ [This message has been edited by hardwood (edited February 20, 2001).]
Sometimes I don't understand the Knicks. They want to get good players, but they only want to trade thier crappy, overpaid players. Who does Layden think he is, Pat Riley? ------------------ The Rockets will be the NBA champions. Believe.
Bob, Can you post a link for the above? I know it's full text, but I'd like a link, and I can't find the article. ------------------
http://www.nydailynews.com/2001-02-20/Metro_Sports/Basketball/a-100431.asp ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
for such a hot commodity (that is a decent Centre in the Eastern conference) surely the Knick wouls be willing to part with one of Houston or Camby, for me if they landed Mutumbo Camby is expendable.. ------------------ CUT Tino These Heaves are just getting Ridiculous!
Isnt Layden the same conservative punk who was GM with the Jazzholes? He never made the Jazz any better via trades. I think his philosophy is to sit on his big fat ass. ------------------
Thanks for the link. I'm surprised the Knicks would be so reluctant to give up Marcus Camby. Sure he's a nice player, gives the Knicks a lot, but is he really that central to the team? One thing I don't understand is, sure, Allan Houston's got a player option, but are they so sure he wants to bolt? Why does the media think the Knicks are so ready to part with him over other players on the team? I mean, he's their leading scorer! I can't imagine the fans want to get rid of him. ------------------
I think the Knicks create a 3-4 year window to challenge for the weak Eastern conference crown if they do this deal.With Spree and Houston,the time is now for this team.I agree,you send Camby and..say.. a couple of those forwards in this deal...yesterday!...good point about the decline of the Jazzholes. ------------------ the fan formerly known as.... Hardwood Hammer
sorry BobFinn, I posted hearing about this on the radio on the main forum before I realized you had it covered here.It sure seems to bode well for the Rockets getting Webber if it goes down. ------------------
Have to agree with you on that ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
