Wednesday Insider:

[Guest]

Can the Knicks dump

Spree or Houston?

by Chad Ford

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Also Below: Blazers, T-Wolves duke it out for Jeff McInnis | Houston makes a pitch to Rashard Lewis | Keon Clark blows it | Here comes Michael Jordan | Writers Bloc: More trade fallout | Peep Show

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Andre Miller is off the rumor mill. So is Baron Davis. (The Hornets may want to send a thank you card to Cleveland for that one. They would've never given away Davis straight up for Darius Miles.) Vin Baker, who was recently inducted as a permanent member of the rumor mill, is also off the block — at least until the Celtics get over their hangover and realize who they're in bed with.

What do all three players have in common? The Knicks were heavily pursuing Miller, Davis and Baker in a desperate attempt to get the franchise back on track after slipping out of the playoffs last season. Their relentless attempts to trade either Latrell Sprewell or Allan Houston have been well documented. So have their rejections.

In addition to being rebuffed by the Cavs, Hornets and Sonics, the Knicks have talked with the Bucks about Glenn Robinson, the Hawks about Jason Terry, and the T-Wolves about Wally Szczerbiak. All three teams are still laughing.

Why the obsession with trading away one of their two best players? Knicks brass feels like the team needs to move one of its shooting guards and bring in either a bigger, more versatile small forward or a top-flight point guard next season. Spree has been playing out of position for four years in New York and the team feels like it has finally taken its toll. One of the two needs to go, and so far, Spree appears to have the most trade value.

What's the problem? The Knicks are trying to get an All-Star-caliber player back in return. Both players put up career numbers last year. Houston had a career high in scoring (20.2 ppg) and three-pointers made. Spree put up his highest point total (19.4 ppg) since he joined the Knicks. Nevertheless, it's become pretty apparent that there isn't a blockbuster trade out there for Spree or Houston.

Spree's troubled past, his age, 32, and a huge contract that still has three years and $40.5 million remaining are his poison pills. Hawks GM Pete Babcock recently cited character as the primary reason why his team wouldn't trade for Spree. "It's unfair to compare players, but we went against our organizational standards to a degree with J. R. Rider a few years ago. We rolled the dice -- we lost big-time on it. We would have to think very hard about bending again."

Other teams think it's the combination of his age and contract that's the real problem. In an age of luxury-tax woes, most teams can't afford to take on that kind of money. "I thought he really lost a step last year," one team exec told Insider. "He can still put up big games for you, but the intensity was lacking. I thought he was terrible defensively. I know it had a lot to do with the tumultuous situation in New York, but you wonder how much longer he's going to be explosive."

Ironically, the Knicks would prefer to move Houston, whom they signed to an absolutely outrageous deal last summer making him virtually untradeable. His six-year, $100 million contract signed last year will probably be the last of its kind. The Knicks bid against themselves and gave Houston $50 million more than anyone else could.

"Houston is a good player," another team exec said. "But he's way overpaid. The only way the Knicks could move him would be to take a massive salary back in return. Right now, they may be willing to take the gamble."

Are both players truly untradeable? Insider made some phone calls and put together three trade scenarios for the Knicks that could make some sense.

1. Spree or Houston to the Nets for Keith Van Horn

Van Horn was Byron Scott's whipping boy all last season. And, after the Finals, Kenyon Martin took a swipe at Van Horn that won't be forgotten. Van Horn is talented, but it looks like he's worn out his welcome in New Jersey. The Nets have been desperately trying to move Van Horn and find some perimeter shooting in the process. While the Nets would prefer Spree, the Knicks are reluctant to let him play in their backyard. The last thing Scott Layden wants to do is trade a fan favorite to the Nets and then watch him become the last piece of the puzzle in the Nets' quest for a championship.

That leaves Houston, who may be a better fit in New Jersey anyway. Spree's game is based on handling the ball and improvisation. That wouldn't really be possible with Jason Kidd controlling things. Houston is more one dimensional, but he'd be the best shooter on the team. Outside shooting was the Nets' Achilles heel last season and Houston may be the best (and most expensive) solution available. The move would afford Richard Jefferson a chance to start at the three, where he excelled in Boston at the summer league.

While Van Horn isn't the answer to all the Knicks' problems, he's young, has size, is a good perimeter shooter and has a tie to Utah (a must for Layden). The trade would also allow Spree to move back to his natural shooting guard position, and give the Knicks a lot of flexibility on what sets they run. If the Knicks can figure out a way to land a point guard, the N.Y. Daily News is reporting that the Knicks are after Nick Van Exel again, and then a big man like Keon Clark or Wang Zhi Zhi via free agency, they'd have a contender.

The deal, financially, wouldn't be as egregious as you think for the Nets. Houston's contract is only one year longer than Van Horn's. If the Knicks were to assume Jamie Feick's terrible contract as part of the trade, the numbers basically add up for the next four seasons.

2. Spree or Houston to the Blazers for Damon Stoudamire

The Knicks have flirted with Stoudamire for some time. He isn't the answer to all of their problems at point guard, but he's the sort of high-energy player Don Chaney is looking for to push the Knicks into a more up-tempo style. Stoudemire's lack of size will be a problem, but the Knicks will still have rookie Frank Williams, who has the size and defensive tenacity to spell Stoudamire when the match-ups aren't going the Knicks way. Of course, the move would push Shandon Anderson into the starting lineup, but with Stoudamire, McDyess and either Spree of Houston on the floor, they'd have plenty of offense.

The deal makes sense for the Blazers only because they are desperately trying to dump Stoudamire. The Blazers think his size and scorer's mentality are crippling the team. With so much offensive fire power, they need a bigger playmaker. They're already on the verge of signing free agent Jeff McInnis (see below), meaning Stoudamire is expendable. If the team adds Spree or Houston, it also has the flexibility of letting Bonzi Wells go. Right now, the Blazers have been stalling on Wells. The team is balking on his contract demands (he's looking for around 6 years, $40 million).

The big question is, who is a better fit for the Blazers? Like the Nets, the Blazers are still desperate for shooting, giving the edge to Houston. Money won't really be a factor. Houston makes a little more than Stoudamire, and has two more years left on his contract, but since when did that ever stop the Blazers?

3. Spree to the Suns for Penny Hardaway

This would be the biggest gamble for the Knicks, but it does make some sense. Hardaway came into the league playing point guard and would be a nice answer to the Knicks' woes at the point if he was willing to make the switch and if the Knicks determined he was healthy.

The Suns are pulling out all the stops to move Hardaway after he bumped heads all season with point guard Stephon Marbury. The Suns would have a logjam at the two, with Joe Johnson and Casey Jacobsen waiting in the wings, but the addition of Spree, along with Marbury and Shawn Marion, would put this team back in the playoff hunt out West.

As far as money goes, the two contracts are almost identical, but the Suns would actually get a little cap relief. Spree's contract is up in the summer of 2005. Hardaway's nightmare isn't over until the summer of 2006.

Layden pointing toward Van Exel

Mitch Lawrence / New York Daily News

Cavs Trade Miller in a Deal for Miles

Chris Broussard / New York Times

Blazers, T-Wolves duke it out for Jeff McInnis

Free agent Jeff McInnis' tenure with the Clippers officially came to an end Tuesday when L.A. traded for point guard Andre Miller. While it was already a foregone conclusion that McInnis wouldn't be back, the Clippers' trade puts some closure on things.

With several big teams in desperate need of a point guard, McInnis thought he'd be one of the picks of the litter in this year's free-agent class. McInnis put up career numbers in points (14.6 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg) last year. His 3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio was the seventh best in the league. He ranked ahead of such stalwarts as Jason Kidd, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis and Steve Nash. And McInnis, at 6-foot-4, has the size teams covet at the point.

Still, like most free agents, McInnis has had a rough go of it. Rumors about his selfishness and problems getting along with the rest of the young Clippers have swirled through the league, and teams have laughed at his demands of a six-year, $35 million contract.

However, it looks like McInnis may be getting close to finding a home. League sources told Insider Tuesday night that McInnis was close to completing a multi-year deal with the Blazers. Specific terms of the contract were unavailable, but it is believed to be something near the $4.5 mid-level exception. Signing McInnis would lead to the benching of starting point guard Damon Stoudamire, souces told Insider. While the move is sure to bring discord, the Blazers feel they have to find a bigger, better playmaker who can distribute to the teams top scorers and keep the turnovers down.

What's holding things up? According to one source, the Timberwolves came into the picture with an offer last week and McInnis spent some time trying to decide between the two deals.

Houston makes a pitch to Rashard Lewis

There still aren't any major developments to report in the ongoing Rashard Lewis "Show me the money" world tour.

Rockets GM Carroll Dawson met with Lewis' agent, Carl Poston, on Tuesday, but the Rockets did not make an offer, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The Rockets are interested in Lewis, but would likely have to pull off a sign-and-trade to do it, a league source told Insider late Tuesday night. According to the source, Lewis is only considering taking the mid-level exception from the Mavericks. If he were to decide to play for the Rockets, or the Bulls, for that matter, it would only be via a sign-and-trade.

"I think at this point he trusts that Mark Cuban would take care of him down the line," the source told Insider. "With the other teams, especially Houston, I think he wants to see the money up front. With that said, Houston probably has enough talent to swing a deal and make everyone happy."

If Lewis signed a big contract via sign-and-trade, he'd become a base-year player, however. That means that the Sonics could only take back half of Lewis' starting salary. To make the numbers work, the teams would have to make the trade large enough to make up the difference or include a third team to get the numbers to work right.

Meanwhile, Cuban still hasn't received an indication when he'll get a commitment — or a rejection — from Lewis.

"All I know is we're still in the running," Cuban told the Dallas Morning News.

Dawson has informal visit with Lewis' agent

Jonathan Feigen / Houston Chronicle

LaFrentz signs 7-year, $69 million deal with Mavs

Marc Stein / Dallas Morning News

Keon Clark blows it

Remember how Insider kept writing that teams were shying away from free agent Keon Clark because of off-the-court concerns? Well, it looks like the teams' concerns weren't that far fetched.

Clark was cited for marijuana possession in his hometown, Danville, Ill., on Sunday after police found about a gram in his car, city attorney David Wesner told the Orlando Sentinel. Wesner also said Clark was cited for a similar offense two years ago.

The fine for the offense will likely be $1,500. But, Clark's bust will likely cost him millions on the free-agent market. The Orlando Sentinel is already reporting that the revelation will likely end the Magic's courtship of Clark. Other teams with interest will now use the offense as a bargaining chip to push Clark off his demands for a six-year contract starting at $4.5 million.

Drug problems will scare away most of the teams looking at Clark, especially those pressed up against the luxury tax. If that doesn't do it, Clark's lack of intelligence ought to be the last nail in the coffin. We know many players in the league smoke weed. But to be driving around with it in your car while your agent is burning up the phone lines trying to convince teams that you're a good guy -- well, that's your brain on drugs.

Magic's target draws citation

Jerry Brewer / Orlando Sentinel

Here comes Michael Jordan

It looks like, once again, all of those rumors of Michael Jordan's imminent demise have been greatly exaggerated.

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Jordan, 39, has resumed workouts at an undisclosed location in preparation for another season with the Wizards.

"He's already started working out gradually in strictest privacy," a source told the Sun Times, "because he's still not exactly sure about what he's going to do until he's confident about his [surgically repaired right] knee, and he doesn't want to encourage crowds like those that often came to [Hoops The Gym] last summer. He said that at times it was like a zoo. So he wants to keep everything low-key until he decides what he'll do."

Stars pull for MJ

Lacy J. Banks / Chicago Sun-Times

Writers Bloc: More trade fallout

It was the tale of two cities Tuesday as L.A. and Cleveland buzzed about the trade that sent Andre Miller to the Clippers for Darius Miles.

It was also the tale of two Web sites. Clippers.com replaced its usual banner with a big sign that said "Welcome Home, Andre." There were photos of Miller wearing a Clippers uniform and a nice section with quotes from several NBA coaches about how good Miller really is. It was first class, something you never quite get used to when you're dealing with the Clipps.

Cavs.com, not to be outdone, put up a small picture of Darius Miles in a Cavs uniform. Then, inexplicably, about an hour later it was replaced by the banner with huge words that read, "What colors do you want the Cavs to wear for the 2003-2004 season?" That's right folks, just one hour after trading their best player for one of the more exciting players in Cavs history, they buried the story behind a poll asking you what set of ugly colors (they're all hideous) you'd like to Cavs to wear in two years.

Small digression there. Back to the writers bloc.

L.A. Daily News columnist Steve Dilbeck writes that GM Elgin Baylor has done his job. Now it's up to Donald Sterling to do his. "This could all be a wondrous one-year wonder. Donald has repeatedly said, when it was the right player, he would spend. He would sign a player to a long-term, big-salaried contract. Honest. Time to prove to your fans, organization and players, you mean it. Trouble is, so many "right" players are coming around the bend at the same time, he's in a fix."

Akron Beacon Journal writer Terry Pluto thinks that GM Jim Paxson has finally put his stamp on the Cavs. While his moves will definitely lead to a more exciting brand of basketball, will it ever lead to wins?

"This collection of young guns will be a challenge for John Lucas, as the coach will need at least three basketballs in some games to keep everyone happy. He is begging Paxson to deliver a point guard (How about free-agent Earl Boykins?) to bring some order. He also must ship forward Lamond Murray elsewhere, as he shoots too much and won't fit in with this crew.Let's face it, the Cavs have been drabber than their bland blue uniforms, which also are being junked in favor of colors to be voted on by the fans.With Miles and Wagner in town, suddenly there's a little sizzle and spice. It's about time."

And Boston Globe columnist Michael Holley is still in a hangover over the Vin Baker trade.

"I continue to wrestle because things could work out, basketballwise. Baker could dominate again inside, Pierce could continue his inside-outside mastery, and Antoine Walker could return to town with a consistent mid range game. They all could share the ball beautifully, and Battie-Baker-Walker-Pierce could become one of the most effective quartets in the East. But, needlessly, the Celtics went away from what they knew they had and went with something they could have, if their world spins perfectly. They traded picks in the winter so they could win in the spring. That's good. They made a trade this summer so they can save a few cents in the fall. That's ridiculous."

Price high for Clippers talent

Steve Dilbeck / Los Angeles Daily News

Bam! Paxson adds pinch of spice

Terry Pluto / Akron Beacon Journal

Baker: It still doesn't compute

Michael Holley / Boston Globe

Peep Show

Mavs: Free-agent center Raef LaFrentz ended up getting a little bit bigger deal than what was first reported. LaFrentz signed a seven-year, $69 million deal with the Mavs on Monday. "We weren't paying for Raef's numbers," owner Mark Cuban told the Dallas Morning News. "We're paying for the part he can play in winning a championship."

Knicks: It looks like the reports out of the N.Y. Daily News Monday, that free-agent center Michael Doleac had agreed to a two-year, $2.9 million contract with the Knicks for the veteran's exception were premature. The N.Y. Post is reporting today that the signing will still happen, but that the deal will be for three years, $7.5 million. If that's the case, the Knicks will have to use a significant portion of their mid-level exception to bring in Doleac.

Nets: The team has come to terms with free-agent point guard Chris Childs, the N.Y. Post reported. The deal is for two years, $3.5 million. They'll likely sign the contract some time this week.

Bulls: The team agreed to a one-year deal with veteran Corie Blount, the Chicago Sun Times reported. The Bulls are expected to sign the 33-year-old free-agent forward today to a one-year contract for the $1.4 million salary-cap exception. Last year, the Bulls tried Charles Oakley in the role of mentor and it blew up in their face. Blount is seen as a safer option. According to the Sun Times, Krause is also looking at bringing in a free-agent small forward via free agency. Matt Harpring and Rashard Lewis are reportedly at the top of their list.

Cavs: Injury-riddled center DeSagana Diop is hurt again. Diop underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday on his right knee. He said it will take five weeks to heal, enabling him to be ready for training camp in October. Conditioning might be hampered for Diop, saddled last season with foot and knee injuries. He has lost 25 pounds since April. "I don't think my weight will go up," he told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I'm eating well."

LaFrentz signs 7-year, $69 million deal with Mavs

Marc Stein / Dallas Morning News

Childs Set; Doleac Not

Fred Kerber / New York Post

He's back: Bulls to sign Blount

Roman Modrowski / Chicago Sun-Times

Diop dropped by knee injury, should be OK by camp

Chris Tomasson / Akron Beacon Journal

[ATLien_]

If Bonzi wells only wants 6 years 40 million Dollars that is a steal. We need to call up the Blazers this moment and get a trade cracking. I can't believe they think his demands are to high when they have overpaid stiffs like Kemp and Pippen on that team. I will be more then happy to take Bonzi off their hands.

[Traceman]

I woud be more than happy to sign Wells to that deal, as long as we had a mutual option to terminate the contract after year 3. That way, if he performed well, he could ask for more money but if his attitude was bad, we could tell him to hit the road.

From a talent standpoint, Wells is great but there is a reason the Blazers are not offering him more money. If Whittsitt thought Wells deserved it, Allen would pay the money without blinking. It has to be his attitude or his knee, maybe both. I would not be comfortable at all giving Wells a long term deal with no escape clause. Maybe a change of scenery away from the Jailblazers would do his attitude some good but I don't know.

[Guest]

Part of that reason is the number of players the Blazers have at the swing position. I mean, if you look at it they've stockpiled a bunch of "starters" for other teams:

Pippen (has stated he will retire after this year)

Kerr (has to be retiring soon I would think)

Anderson

Patterson (new big contract; can't be moved)

Woods (is he all they think he will be...if so needs pt)

Randolph (can play the 4 as well...still needs some pt)

and Bonzi.

That's a lot of players who need pt...the major problem in portland. I mean look what happened to Jermaine O'Neal out there...couldn't get the pt, got traded, and blew up. Part of their reasoning has to be how much bonzi fits into their future plans with the number of "swingers" they're already carrying.

I for one would be happy to help them out of such a predicament.

[cyman3]

to have wells sign a contract like that. It gives him insurance (hes gonna get that 40 million and be in the league for 6 years) and helps the blazers with their OVERLOAD contracts.

I wonder if we can give JT a similar contract (maybe 50 Million for 6 years?.. would he take it?)