Renaldo Balkman to the Nuggets?

The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have had serious talks discussing swapping former-first round pick Renaldo Balkman for point guard Taurean Green and small forward Bobby Jones. If the trade happens, the Knicks could cut Green and Jones, which would get them to 15 players, as well as saving $1.32 million dollars in cap space. Balkman has a team option for the 2009-2010 season which likely would not be renewed. Currently, the Knicks have 16 players on the roster with the signing of Anthony Roberson, and need to get down to 15. Currently, Green and Jones do not have guaranteed contracts. However, Green's contract becomes guaranteed this Thursday and Jones's on August 15th. After the Nuggets signed Chris Andersen and Dahntay Jones, both Green and Jones became expendable. Balkman, is not a good fit in Head Coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. He shoots under 20% from downtown and less than 50% from the line. With Danilo Gallinari, Quentin Richardson, David Lee, and Wilson Chandler on the roster, there is little room for Balkman. D'Antoni favors forwards who are versatile on offense and who can shoot from outside. The third year player has not yet found a consistent role for the franchise and has only averaged 4.2 points for his career. He could seemingly be a good fit in Denver, because he is known for his defense, hustle and energy. The Nuggets allowed the second most points per game at 106.95. Former team president Isiah Thomas reached for Balkman at No. 20 in the 2006 NBA Draft. Thomas claimed that the Suns (27th pick) were interested in the South Carolina product. That is ironic because former Mike D'Antoni was the Suns coach at the time and seems ready to ship him of New York. Isiah passed on Rajon Rondo, Marcus Williams, Josh Boone, Kyle Lowry, and Jordan Farmar. The 21-26 selections have had greater impacts in the league in their short time than Balkman has had. If the Knicks decide to keep Green, he could add more competition at point guard. The 23 year-old was the starting point guard for the Florida Gators who won national titles in 2006 and 2007. The Florida native ranks second in career free throw percentage (.856), seventh in assists (400) and tied for eighth in three-point field goals made (186) in school history. He was selected by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2nd round in the 2007 NBA Draft. Green only appeared in 17 games last season and was traded to the Nuggets for Von Wafer. Yes, the same Von Wafer that was on the Knicks' Summer league team in Las Vegas. His father Sidney Green played two seasons for the Knicks in the late 1980's. Bobby Jones has been in the league for only two years but has played with five different teams. He seems destined to be a career backup, but, like Balkman, is known as a defensive stopper. If this trade goes down, it makes fiscal sense for the Knicks and Donnie Walsh can focus his efforts on moving Zach Randolph.