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Editor's note: As part of "The Stein Line" every Monday, senior NBA writer Marc Stein gives his take on things in "Slams and Dunks."
Expect the Knicks to move Charlie Ward in any major deal they can
swing. Ward represents one more tradable commodity than you thought Scott
Layden had, but it's not because he plays point guard. Reason? Only
about $2 million of Ward's $6.1 million salary is guaranteed next season,
which makes him more attractive to anyone cost-conscious.
|  | | The Knicks could use young talent like the Grizzlies' Stromile Swift. |
New York's fourth-quarter freeze to start the season has kick-started
the LeBron James drive, in spite of the Knicks' own stubborn belief
that they can be decent in the East. Just to be clear, though, we're not
advocating that Layden simply sit back and wait for the losses. He's
actually wise to pursue trades before the Antonio McDyess injury exception
expires Dec. 2, but the targets best be young veterans with upside.
Jamal Crawford, Stromile Swift -- that's the type to pursue. So there's at
least one or two developing talents in place by the time June's draftee
arrives, James or not.
Of course, considering Portland's sudden crisis, now you fully expect
a deal that sends Dale Davis and at least one more Blazer to Gotham for
Latrell Sprewell. Part of Portland's problem, besides the obvious lack
of on-court leadership, is that its players inevitably feel unsettled
knowing that they're constantly being shopped. Which leads to lackluster
play. Bob Whitsitt needs to move more players out in a trade than he
brings back just to ease coach Mo Cheeks' logjam a little. Davis meets
New York's demand for a big guy and Sprewell feasibly addresses
Portland's passion problems ... besides giving every wiseacre the chance to say
Spree's the perfect lead Blazer.
Just can't see Karl Malone and John Stockton retiring together, unless it's after next season. After this season? There's a better chance Mailman convinces Stockton to play for one more year, which Mail would certainly want if he stays in Utah. If Stock indeed retires at season's end, and Malone decides he wants to keep playing to keep chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record, that'll make it easier for Malone to bolt for New Orleans or Dallas.
Kudos to Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl for matching Dallas' four-year, $12 million offer sheet. It's a luxury-tax hit in the short term, but Michael Redd should be a bargain at that price in a season or two ... On the flip side, no one's confusing New Orleans with Dallas or San Antonio just yet. The Spurs' new practice quarters are right there on the Mavericks' level for Most Luxurious in Texas, but Jamal Mashburn was still sporting a CHARLOTTE Hornets robe after New Orleans' victory on opening night over Utah.
Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. E-mail him at marc.stein@espn3.com.
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