spree's fate will be determined in the next 48 hours!
ejones06
Posts: 2,304
November 30, 2002 -- In 48 hours, Latrell Sprewell may be an ex-Knick.
Or maybe not.
Knick GM Scott Layden has until Monday to use the $4.5 million injury exception in a multi-player trade. It's the best chance to wheel Sprewell because the injury exception is an extra asset, and its inclusion makes a multi-player deal easier to do under the salary cap.
However, the Sprewell takers aren't plentiful, and even the Blazers gave off signals they aren't as eager to take on a player with a checkered past.
Knick coach Don Chaney indicated yesterday talks were not hot. Sprewell is trying not to think about the possibility of this being his final weekend as a Knick with today vs. New Orleans potentially his last hurrah.
"It's in the back of my mind, of course," said Sprewell, who hasn't helped his trade value by shooting 35 percent in his five games back.
"But I wouldn't say I run around thinking about it. ... I didn't even know when the deadline was, so that's the least of my concerns. I've said it over and over again - if it happens, it does. If not, I've got a job to do. Wherever I am, I'm going to be fine."
In truth, if the Knicks trade the exception, the two players with greater trade value are Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward, who can be bought out of the final year of his contract for $2 million.
But since the Knicks can't play Sprewell at his natural position of shooting guard, they have since the summer looked to move him - their attempts exacerbated after their $12.4M star showed up to work Sept. 30 with a broken right pinkie.
Asked if he hoped any deal took place, Sprewell said, "It's not my job. It's not for me to worry about that trade stuff. As a player, there nothing you can do. You just have to go out and not really worry about it and do what you can do to help us win. That's not my focus. That's Scott's job, and frankly it's up to him to get that done."
The Grizzlies and Blazers are looking for a shakeup. The Knicks had targeted Memphis because of its frontcourt glut and Stromile Swift's availability. None of the Blazers' assets are as appealing after a week in which Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace were charged with marijuana possession and Ruben Patterson for domestic abuse.
Blazer GM Bob Whitsitt can't wait to get rid of Stoudamire, but the Knicks have only mild interest. And it's unclear if adding Sprewell would be a public-relations bust in Portland.
"I think over the years as an organization, it's fair to say we've been more on the aggressive side as far as giving guys opportunities," Whitsitt said. "We knew there were situations in the past. But the hardest thing in pro sports is trying to balance how much of a chance you take. You really have to look at each player case by case.
"Are we as aggressive and will be as aggressive? I think the answer to that is, no, but does that mean we don't look at things? You have to look at all opportunities."
The Suns have some interest in Sprewell, but Layden has only expressed interest in Stephon Marbury and turned down a deal for Penny Hardaway last season, sources said.
"He'll let me know if something's hot," Chaney said. "I would be uneasy if we had something we were going to do. I haven't heard anything from Scott today. There's nothing on the fire immediately at this point. I think it would be great for the team if we can improve it."
Or maybe not.
Knick GM Scott Layden has until Monday to use the $4.5 million injury exception in a multi-player trade. It's the best chance to wheel Sprewell because the injury exception is an extra asset, and its inclusion makes a multi-player deal easier to do under the salary cap.
However, the Sprewell takers aren't plentiful, and even the Blazers gave off signals they aren't as eager to take on a player with a checkered past.
Knick coach Don Chaney indicated yesterday talks were not hot. Sprewell is trying not to think about the possibility of this being his final weekend as a Knick with today vs. New Orleans potentially his last hurrah.
"It's in the back of my mind, of course," said Sprewell, who hasn't helped his trade value by shooting 35 percent in his five games back.
"But I wouldn't say I run around thinking about it. ... I didn't even know when the deadline was, so that's the least of my concerns. I've said it over and over again - if it happens, it does. If not, I've got a job to do. Wherever I am, I'm going to be fine."
In truth, if the Knicks trade the exception, the two players with greater trade value are Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward, who can be bought out of the final year of his contract for $2 million.
But since the Knicks can't play Sprewell at his natural position of shooting guard, they have since the summer looked to move him - their attempts exacerbated after their $12.4M star showed up to work Sept. 30 with a broken right pinkie.
Asked if he hoped any deal took place, Sprewell said, "It's not my job. It's not for me to worry about that trade stuff. As a player, there nothing you can do. You just have to go out and not really worry about it and do what you can do to help us win. That's not my focus. That's Scott's job, and frankly it's up to him to get that done."
The Grizzlies and Blazers are looking for a shakeup. The Knicks had targeted Memphis because of its frontcourt glut and Stromile Swift's availability. None of the Blazers' assets are as appealing after a week in which Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace were charged with marijuana possession and Ruben Patterson for domestic abuse.
Blazer GM Bob Whitsitt can't wait to get rid of Stoudamire, but the Knicks have only mild interest. And it's unclear if adding Sprewell would be a public-relations bust in Portland.
"I think over the years as an organization, it's fair to say we've been more on the aggressive side as far as giving guys opportunities," Whitsitt said. "We knew there were situations in the past. But the hardest thing in pro sports is trying to balance how much of a chance you take. You really have to look at each player case by case.
"Are we as aggressive and will be as aggressive? I think the answer to that is, no, but does that mean we don't look at things? You have to look at all opportunities."
The Suns have some interest in Sprewell, but Layden has only expressed interest in Stephon Marbury and turned down a deal for Penny Hardaway last season, sources said.
"He'll let me know if something's hot," Chaney said. "I would be uneasy if we had something we were going to do. I haven't heard anything from Scott today. There's nothing on the fire immediately at this point. I think it would be great for the team if we can improve it."
0
Comments
Sweet Jesus that dude smells bad!
Sweet Jesus that dude smells bad!
<< <i>Swift has too much potential to trade for a washed up troublemaking scrub like Sprewell. >>
Grizzlies already have too many people that can play Swift's position, so they need to trade him off. Drew Gooden & Lorenzen Wright is enough. Sprewell could play the SG part time or the 3 spot.
Sweet Jesus that dude smells bad!
<< <i>I agree on the need to deal Swift, but last I heard they had a shot at getting Mike Miller for him...if Swift continues to improve and Grant HIll can stay healthy, that tarde is a strong possibility. I'd rather get a young Miller who can hit from outside than a washed-up Sprewell who will be a horrible influence on the other young guys - good God imagine him and Jason Williams getting together for a night on the town
bad influence? Sprewell ain't that bad and Grizzlies have nothing to lose but more games. Sprewell can only help the team. He doesn't have to be a great outside shooter (look at Jerry Stackhouse). Not even Kobe is a good outside shooter. What Sprewell does have is versatility and can score off the dribble.
Ya, the Grizzlies do need a veteran...but they can keep Gasol
Lots of errors here. First of all, Sprewell is a terrible influence and person,a nd second, the Grizzlies do have something to lose: a talented young big man in exchange for an average SG that wouldn't make them a playoff team.
Sweet Jesus that dude smells bad!