Celts-Knicks talking Walker

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is from the NY Daily News. With the Bulls out of the picture, the
Knicks probably are the most likely trading partner for Antoine. I'm no fan
of Sprewell, but I probably could get behind a deal centered around Kurt
Thomas. They didn't mention McDyess in the talks, but that might be
interesting. Ainge, of course, has a history with McDyess from Phoenix. If
healthy, he's eclipses Antoine completely, but that's a big IF. 

I haven't taken the time to look at the contracts. I'll do that later. The
story is below.

Mark



Scott Layden's plan to revamp the Knicks roster could include Celtics
All-Star power forward Antoine Walker. 
The Knicks and Celtics have had serious discussions in recent days
concerning a deal for Walker, according to a league source. 
A potential deal could include Latrell Sprewell, whose contract matches
Walker's. Or Boston could be looking to cut payroll by adding several
lower-salaried players, including Kurt Thomas. A third team may have to be
involved in order to complete the deal. 
Walker, who will turn 27 in August, has averaged 20.8 points and 8.7
rebounds in seven NBA seasons. But the 6-9 forward was severely outplayed by
Kenyon Martin in the Nets' four-game second-round sweep of Boston. Walker
averaged just 14 points and shot 34% in the series. 
Since the Celtics' playoff exit, Walker has been the subject of several
trade rumors, including one to his hometown Chicago Bulls. While Walker is a
talented albeit moody player, many teams have been turned off by his
contract, which calls for him to make $28 million over the next two seasons.

Sprewell is also scheduled to earn $28 million over the next two seasons,
although his contract includes an opt out clause for July 2004. The Knicks
have been looking to move Sprewell since last summer but have found few
willing partners. 
Layden, the Knicks president, has a surplus of power forwards on his roster
and that position became even more crowded with the additions of Mike
Sweetney and Maciej Lampe during last week's NBA draft. Layden would not
hesitate to trade Thomas, Clarence Weatherspoon or Othella Harrington. 
And although the Celtics drafted a point guard, they could be in the market
for Charlie Ward, whose contract expires after the 2003-04 season. Ward's
contract also includes a buyout clause for $2 million, which can be
exercised starting tomorrow. 
Layden's interest in Walker makes sense on many levels. Antonio McDyess is
coming off knee surgery and may miss a second straight season. And since
Larry Johnson retired, the Knicks have been devoid of a true low-post
scorer. 
Last season, Don Chaney ran his offense through Sprewell. With Walker on the
team, the Knicks could feature him either in the post or as a point forward.