The Knicks Make Trades for a Future No Where in Sight - Crawford, Randolph, and Collins for Harrington, Thomas, and Mobley

The Knicks Make Trades for a Future No Where in Sight On November 22nd, Donnie Walsh stripped Knicks fans of any hopes that the early 6-5 start had given them. Walsh traded Jamal Crawford, who was recently named team captain, to the Golden State Warriors for forward Al Harrington. Just a few hours later, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins were packaged and shipped to the L.A. Clippers in exchange for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.

 Topping my long list of reasons for opposing this trade is the fact that Jamal was just named the captain of this New York team. For quite some time, our problem has not been lack of talent, but lack of a cohesive unit with good leadership. We finally have a group of guys working together with great chemistry under the leadership of team captain, Jamal Crawford. Jamal was coming off his best season yet, and began the 2008-2009 season with very similar numbers - 19.6ppg and 4.4 apg. Trading away the man who took on the difficult role of leading this team says a lot about the lack of team morale.

Furthermore, the Knicks have a shortage of guards and surplus of forwards. So, what do we do? Trade away our best guard for a forward!!! You see, even if Al’s numbers end up being comparable to Jamal’s, the points wouldn’t be coming in from where we need them. We already have guys who can score down low…we need shooters! Don’t be fooled if Al puts up 20 + per night.

 Now, the package we shipped off to Hollywood. As far as Mardy Collins goes, good riddance! I couldn’t wait to see him go. Mardy was a guard who couldn’t shoot and seemed to have a turnover to go with every assist. Zach, on the other hand, was in the prime of his career. Starting the season averaging 20.5ppg and 12.5rpg, a double-double was a sure-thing with Randolph. The contributions that Mobley or Thomas will make cannot compare to what Zach has done for the Knicks this past season.

OK, so clearly these trades were not about the talent. Trading away our two highest scorers was done because their contracts are too long and Walsh is determined to clear our salary cap before 2010. Oh, that magical number 2010. It is synonymous with the release of LeBron James. In theory, it’s a great plan. Realistically, EVERYONE is trying to clear cap room for LeBron. 30 teams, 1 man. The Nets have a better chance than we do at attracting the King, and the Cavaliers have an even better chance at keeping him where he is. Dwayne Wade is another far away dream. He’s not interested in the glitz and glamour of NY unless there is a legit chance at a championship, and there isn’t.

If only our front office would stop planning for this future that never seems to come. If only they would work with what they have, especially when what we have is so much potential.