Wally to NY???

Isiah trying to pry Wally from Wolves

MIAMI - Isiah Thomas has never been one to wait for trades to fall into his lap. And with a three-game losing streak and a small cloud of turmoil hovering over his team, the Knicks' president is prepared to make a deal if only he can find the right partner.
The Knicks' recent slide is nothing compared to what is going on with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that came into the year regarded as a title contender. The Knicks and Timberwolves have had recent talks, and the Knicks would still be willing to trade Kurt Thomas for Wally Szczerbiak. Minnesota remains reluctant to pull the trigger, probably because Szczerbiak has been the team's second-best player behind Kevin Garnett. The teams have been trying to get Toronto involved as a third club in a deal for Szczerbiak.

If the Knicks acquired Szczerbiak, they likely would have to make another deal for a power forward, unless they are confident that Michael Sweetney and Vin Baker are suitable replacements for Kurt Thomas, who is averaging 11.3 points and 10 rebounds and is the team's best low-post defender.

Thomas and Stephon Marbury would appear to be the perfect fit, since they both excel at playing the pick-and-roll. But even though the two-man game seems to be the Knicks' best weapon, they don't seem to play it enough. The Knicks called Thomas' number often against Miami Wednesday night and he responded by knocking down 11 of 15 shots and scoring 23 points.

After the Knicks defeated New Orleans last month, Hornets power forward P.J. Brown remarked that Thomas and Nazr Mohammed "don't get enough touches."

A team with Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Allan Houston and Szczerbiak would mean that the big men might only see the ball in warmups. Kurt Thomas has value but the Knicks have to be concerned about sacrificing offense for defense.

Another name that has surfaced is Toronto's Donyell Marshall, who can play either forward position. To get Marshall, the Knicks may have to be willing to take back Jalen Rose's contract. Thomas was the only general manager ready to accept Rose and all his baggage if it meant getting Vince Carter, who ended up with the Nets. It's unclear if Thomas would agree to a similar deal just to acquire Marshall.

People close to Isiah Thomas say he has no illusions that his team is championship material quite yet and that his big move will come in the summer, when Tim Thomas and Penny Hardaway will be entering the final year of their respective contracts. Those contracts will be appealing to teams looking to trade a player with a long-term deal.


Frank Isola


Originally published on January 7, 2005

So, what you guys think?? I think Isaiah would rip the Wolves off!! Wally is a great player, and the Wolves don't need any more PFs, thinking about KG and Eddie Griffin...

Toronto should try to get Alonzo Mourning involved with this.

Wolves need a center and another low-post defender though. I would love to get Kurt Thomas but Wally has been the Wolves second best player all year long. He is back into all-star shape and has improved defensively. He is on a roll now that he is healthy, flash backs to his 2001 all-star performance.

Knicks have to add someone, although it doesn't work cap wise, I hope there is a way they can get Jerome Williams. I really like him.

Sometime this season, if it all rumours come true, the Knicks will have the following roster:

Mohamed
Webber
Wally
Crawford
Marbury

Bench: Houston, both Thomas

I never believe all the rumors, the most they will get is Wally (if anything).

Wally is linked to NY every year.....and so is Webber

Yes and it never happens, hence the "(if anything)".

Sometime this season, if it all rumours come true, the Knicks will have the following roster:

Mohamed
Webber
Wally
Crawford
Marbury

Bench: Houston, both Thomas

I hope this is true
It would really make my year

lol, the dream knicks squad...who will they trade for webber anyway..

Crawford & Marbury
[Dreams On] *sigh*
The Kings could never get that lucky

haha, give the knicks bibby and they could be talking about it

Nooooo
not Bibby
Anyone but Bibby