Wally in Knick world?

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that Wally Szczerbiak could be traded to the Knicks this summer. Szczerbiak’s father revealed that the Timberwolves would be willing to trade his son. "I think there is a small chance that he could be traded," said Walter Szczerbiak. "At least that is the speculation I get from (Timberwolves vice president) Kevin McHale. "If they feel they're getting a player in return who fits into what they're trying to do, they won't hesitate to pull the trigger."

Wally has been mentioned in many trade rumors because of his reported differences with Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett and because of his contract situation. He will be a free agent next season and wants an extension before that happens. The Timberwolves are unwilling to offer him a $90 million deal, but Szczerbiak will not demand the maximum. However, like any player, "he wants the team to show appreciation for the fact he's been doing the right things.” According to Walter.

Isola writes that the latest trade rumor is a three-weay deal between the ‘Wolves, Knicks and Pistons. Szczerbiak would go to the Knicks while Latrell Sprewell would end up in Detroit. The Timberwolves would get Jerry Stackhouse from the Pistons. Other players would have to be involved to make the cap numbers work.

Via

Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

NBA salary cap decreases for first time ever

The Associated Press reports that the NBA has announced their salary cap figures for the upcoming season. For the first time since the salary cap has been introduced, it will actually decrease in 2002-03. Last season’s cap was set at $42.5 million. This season’s cap will dip to $40.271 million.

The NBA also announced on Tuesday that the mid-level exception that teams can offer free agents is only going up from $4.538 million to $4.545 million. Media speculation originally placed the value in the $4.6 to $4.8 million range. This will mean less money for free agents like Chauncey Billups as this exception is the main means of adding players to a capped-out team.

The Luxury tax, which kept several teams from signing players last summer, will not be levied in part, due to the reduced spending of the owners. As a result, a small amount of the Escrow money taken from the player’s paychecks during the season will be returned to the players. The tax is expected to become reality next summer because of the increasing salaries of older, long-term contracts. The minimum cap has been set at $30.2 million.

Via

General Basketball, Detroit Pistons

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback

Wolves won't make any big moves soon

Minnesota Timberwolves VP Kevin McHale predicts this years’ free agency period will be slow. Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune reports that McHale and the Wolves will be cautious this summer with their money.

McHale said Monday he doesn't expect much news to circulate out of Target Center this week and predicted that only a few signings will take place this week as teams, worried about the oncoming luxury tax, will take a more conservative approach in negotiations.

“The economics of the game have changed, and the hardest thing to do is to get the players and the agents to understand that," said McHale. "My portfolio was a lot better before the market went to hell, but it is what it is."

The Wolves expect to take a hit on Wednesday when their free agent point guard, Chauncey Billups, will be free to sign a reported 6-year, $35 million contract with the Pistons. "I talked to his agent a couple of times, and I think Chauncey feels pretty comfortable with Detroit," McHale said.

A minor move may take place this week to help fill the void at point guard after Billups’ departure. It appears as if the Wolves are set to sign Khalid El-Amin to add depth to ther backcourt. McHale said they will scour the summer leagues looking for players that can contribute. "We would like to find a guy with some experience," he said.

The Wolves plan on waiting out the initial wave of signings to get some better free agent bargains. Usually after the first initial signings, things start drying up a little bit," McHale said. "All of sudden everybody gets a little bit more reasonable. It's a lot easier to deal with everybody then."

Via

Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets