ESPN Says Mavericks And Knicks Are Deep In Talks To Send Chandler And Felton To Dallas
There’s a lot of moving pieces here. None of which are very good. But the mere fact that Phil Jackson and the Knicks have somehow found a way to potentially get rid of Ray Felton is a minor miracle. Phil should be canonized by the Pope for this accomplishment alone.
Tyson Chandler’s value is obviously that expiring contract. Part of me wishes the Knicks would just ride this season out, and let him and everyone else come off the books and have a fresh start. Jose Calderon’s contract is kinda shitty (23 over 3). Dalembert ($3.8 mil in 2014-2015) and Larkin (rookie deal) aren’t a big hit money wise. The only thing that makes sense is if Phil Jackson A) really wants to move Felton (understandable) and/or B) Sees something in Shane Larkin? He didn’t do much to impress his rookie season but if Phil has faith in him and believes that acquiring Larkin frees him to move Shumpert for a first round pick, then maybe this is a part of a bigger plan? Because right now its like an expiring contract and the biggest bum in America in exchange for 2 other bums and rookie who barely saw any burn.
But if its just all about ditching Felton, thats OK with me. Having him opt in for 2015-2016 would be soul crushing. And if it has bigger implications for other moves, great. Lets see if Phil really can make something out of nothing here.
PS – Not sure about this, but it might get them under the cap this year? Trying to avoid the repeater tax?