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The New York Knicks should replace Phil Jackson with ‘The Process’

Garrett Ey
The New York Knicks should replace Phil Jackson with 'The Process' 1
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh together after a play during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) warms up before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Expiring Contracts are Key

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here is an art to pulling off a blockbuster deal in the NBA. Sam Hinkie’s biggest strength was plotting out deals and essentially making the other GM “a deal he couldn’t refuse.”[sc name=”Derrick Rose Player Profile” ]

One way he was able to accomplish so many trades was his willingness to take on large contracts — contracts which otherwise would have been impossible for a team to move. The salary cap flexibility that Hinkie maintained allowed for this.

In return, Hinkie would be rewarded with a more favorable pick. In the case of a trade with the Sacramento Kings, the ability to swap picks will benefit the Sixers if the Kings should have a higher pick.

For the Knicks to gain payroll flexibility, the team would need to trade Carmelo Anthony, Courtney Lee, and Joakim Noah. At this point, the three are terrible contracts which will be hard to move. This is where Hinkie’s creativity in architecting a deal is so key.

Three contracts that Hinkie could use to his favor would be the Derrick Rose expiring contract, the Brandon Jennings expiring contract and the reasonable contract of Kyle O’Quinn.

[sc name=”Knicks Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/23/extreme-franchise-makeover-new-york-knicks-edition-736/4/” text=”Roll with young talent” ]
Garrett Ey
Garrett Ey

The Sports Fan's . . .Sports Fan. Passionate about the Mets, Jets, and Rangers, but more importantly a fan that gets excited for any big game.