We reported today that among the concepts discussed with Donnie Walsh, David Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, has offered a deal in which Lee would take a salary reduction in 2010-11 to save the Knicks some money against the salary cap for that very important summer of free agency. The story, which you can read here, appeared in today's Newsday. The issues is that Lee would still seek a deal that, in total, averages at least $10M-$12M per season, which Walsh apparently believes is too high. At least that's what he suggested earlier this week when he said that Bartelstein's number was higher than his. Supposing the sides can meet in the middle on the average, we propose a deal like the following might actually work (the numbers are approximate): 2009-10: $9 million 2010-11: $8.05 million (max 10.5 percent reduction) 2011-12: $8.9 million (max 10.5 percent raise) 2012-13: $9.9 million (10.5 percent raise) 2013-13: $10.9 million (10.5 percent raise) Total: five years, $46.8 million Average salary is $9.3 million No, it's not the $10M-to-$12M that is comparable to Andrea Bargnani and Andrew Bogut, but it is in the range of Andris Biedrins and Troy Murphy. And to sweeten the offer -- and show some appreciation for David's offer to take a dip in salary for 2010 -- perhaps you include an early termination option (ETO) for Lee for the 2011 summer. If he continues to put up huge numbers, he'll be able to go into UFA for a bigger payday at the prime age of 28. And the Knicks will have his Bird Rights, so they can sign him over the cap and also give him the biggest deal. Now, the $8.05M is still a big chunk against the 2010 budget, but, as we've said here before, David's "cap hold" would be $8M if he merely took his $2.7M qualifier this season. You'd have to renounce his Bird Rights to clear him completely from the cap, which makes no sense at all. Better off trading him, which, again, would bring in more contract anyway (and not likely land you the all-star caliber player you're looking for...emphasis on the phrase player you're looking for. Instead, to offset Lee's number the Knicks have a year to move the only other two big contracts on the 2010 ledger: Eddy Curry ($11.2M) and Jared Jeffries ($6.8M). Curry has vowed to be in top form when training camp opens in September and there are always teams in the market for big men (Houston? Charlotte?). The goal would be to get Curry playing well, putting up solid numbers and then find a suitor...quickly. With Lee's reduction to $8.05M, the team would still get a decent savings if they can move Curry for an expiring. I'll be the first to admit it will be difficult to move Curry if he is playing well, however. Bigs are so valuable in this league. But so are versatile forwards like Lee, who fits the system here and the way you want to play. The Knicks already have an overabundance of bigs as it is. Consider the list on the roster right now: Curry, Jeffries, Milicic, Hill, Harrington and Gallinari (not to mention the unsigned Lee). We know D'Antoni likes to keep a tight rotation as it is, so what four players out of this group of seven play and what four sit? Something's got to give, or someone's got to go. Harrington's in a contract year and would not take sitting, well, sitting down. Curry has to play to maintain his value. Hill is a rookie, so perhaps he can be brought along slowly, but you need his length and athleticism. Gallo is the future and, arguably, the present. Jeffries is versatile and can handle a reduced role, but he's another one that you need to keep on the court for showcase reasons. Milicic? OK, he doesn't have to play, but his size and shooting ability may make give D'Antoni reason to give him a long look early on. As for the Portland angle (now that Utah has decided to match Paul Millsap's deal), it's expected that the Blazers will next target Andre Miller or Lamar Odom with their cap space. They know the Knicks would match the four-year, $32M deal they offered Millsap if they gave it to Lee. * * * * - Donnie Walsh is expected to talk with Aaron Goodwin, the agent for RFA Nate Robinson, today. I don't expect there will be an imminent resolution, but the Knicks would be willing to bring Nate back at a one-year salary. I believe the playmaking and floor-general abilities that Toney Douglas has shown so far in summer league (21 assists, two turnovers in two games) has convinced them that he can step into the backup PG role behind Chris Duhon. That would push Nate down the depth chart some as a change-of-pace guard who would really come in as a two. There isn't a great sign-and-trade market out there for Nate right now, but some teams may eventually consider using a piece of their unused MLE for him with an offer sheet. The Knicks may have to let him go for nothing if he's not in the plans. * - Don't forget the Knicks are back in action at the NBA Summer League today against the Sacramento Kings at 6 p.m. (ET). It's a good chance to get an early look at Tyreke Evans, whom the Knicks coveted in the draft.