Phil Jackson has made a move that’ll certainly shake up the Knicks. And by shake up. I mean they’re even more terrible. But in the ugly art on TANKology, it was a great three team trade for the New York Knicks.
Iman Shumpert and JR Smith are out of MSG and are shipped off to the Q in Cleveland, Ohio. What did New York get? Some players they’ll probably waive, a pick. And sweet, lovely cap space.
In a piece by Al Iannazzone of Newsday. Phil Jackson explained why he pulled the trigger on the 3-team trade.
“As our journey moves through this season, we will search for the type of players that fit the style we hope to exhibit for our fans,” Jackson said in a statement. “Our desire is to improve our ability to compete. In addition, these transactions improve our flexibility to the current roster and the salary cap for future seasons.”
They also will receive two trade exceptions — roughly $6 million for Smith and $2.5 million for Shumpert. They can use them in trades for players making those salaries.Derek Fisher said the Knicks will try to fill their two open roster spots. “I don’t think this in any way signals the end of our transition process,” he said.
“I think our front office will continue to look at what we can do to replace a couple of these guys, but also how we’re going to build our roster going forward in the short term and the long term. I think Phil is continuing to look at how we transition as we change the culture of the New York Knicks.“
So basically. It was purely for cap space. To get Marc Gasol next year. Phil is definitely searching for players that’ll fit his style. I don’t knock that. But of course a little bit of tanking never hurt.
