Which type of player is more important to the New York Knicks this season; a scorer and playmaker like the Bulls' Jamal Crawford, or a big banger such as the Warriors Erick Dampier? This is the current dilemma facing Knicks GM Isiah Thomas, who is holding talks for potential sign and trade scenarios with both teams which could see one or both of these players in New York blue next season.
The problem, according to the New York Post, is the Knicks only have so many expiring contracts to go around. These types of contracts are valuable to opposition teams as they offer cap relief down the line, so should the Knicks pull the trigger on one of these deals the chances are key elements from the other deal on the table will no longer be at New York's disposal.
According to the Post Thomas has a deal on the table with the Warriors which should see Nazr Mohammed and Othella Harrington become Warriors in exchange for Dampier. A player like Dampier is vital for the Knicks ever since Miami acquired the services of Shaquille O'Neal, making this deal make more sense for New York than the Chicago trade which would add even more high priced salaries to an already crowded backcourt.
The Bulls package included Shandon Anderson, Moochie Norris, Harrington and Frankie Williams in exchange for Crawford, Jerome Williams, Eddie Robinson and perhaps Chris Jeffries. The Bulls have demanded the expiring salary of Dekembe Mutombo in exchange for the long term contract of Norris, but the Knicks haven't budged. With Harringon now being offered to the Warriors Thomas has agreed to include Mutombo in the Bulls offer, but as and exchange for the expiring contract of Harrington and not Norris who remains in the deal. Reports out of Chicago are saying that Paxson will not agree to any deal which includes Norris, despite the $3 million in cash Thomas is reportedly offered to help with Norris' contract, putting any deal resulting in Crawford landing in the Big Apple in jeopardy.