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NBA

Numerous Reports About Zach Randolph to Memphis Still Bubbling Up

I think we all (save Knicks fans) prayed the latest round of Zach Randolph rumors -- to Memphis, they said -- would die a quick, painless death. To the contrary. It's been either a rumor on life support or one which is taking the long, painful road to extermination. On Thursday, Inside Hoops proffered a minor confirmation talk was still brewing between NY and Memphis. Last night, Memphis Commercial-Appeal beat writer Ronald Tillery offered confirmation of talks on his Memphis Edge blog.
Any potential Memphis deal involving New York forward Zach Randolph is now in the Knicks' court from what I'm told. The Griz will agree to a package that includes Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric going to the Knicks for Randolph. But Griz brass apparently wants the Knicks to pick up more of the deferred payments owed Randolph in the latter year of his contract. New York executives supposedly are deliberating.
Further, the Memphis Flyer's Chris Herrington says there could be fire behind the rumors, based on talking with his sources. The real crux of the matter for me: how much cash is Memphis looking for to offset Randolph's massive 2010-11 contract? We're working with two teams which have different currencies here: the Knicks need cap space, the Grizz need cash, or the equivalent. Until now, cap space has been equivalent to cash for Memphis. But if they can get a player at some sort of discount, with a rich team playing part of his salary ... and lose burdens like Darko and Marko in the process, that's a neat re-purposing of that cap space into something more.

I get the feeling the Knicks would be happy to pay someone to take Z-Bo if it gets them under the league cap in 2010. James Dolan has cash to burn, which doesn't mean a thing if you can't legally sign worthy players. Using the cash to get the space is clever.

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