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.
(someone was getting very bad advice)
If the Knicks acquired Szczerbia (above)k, 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.
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.