Knicks Send Randolph Packing To Clippers For Mobley And Thomas

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Trades

The New York Knicks announced their second trade of the day on Friday as they have sent talented but controversial big man Zach Randolph and guard Mardy Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers for veteran guard Cuttino Mobley and forward Tim Thomas. Earlier Friday the Knicks had traded guard Jamal Crawford to the Golden State Warriors for forward Al Harrington.

In light of the second transaction the first one now makes more sense. Bottom line is the new brain-trust of the Knicks Team President Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D’Antoni, wanted so badly to rid themselves of Zach Randolph, that they ended up getting far less talent in return than what they traded away. Randolph was never a good fit in New York, however the true loss to the team is Crawford their most consistent player on the team in the last few years. The other factor in the situation is this will give them salary cap relief earlier than they would have had by keeping Randolph. There is no question that the New York Knicks are a weaker team than they were on Thursday. The question remains will short term steps backward lead to long term gains?

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