For the second time in this offseason, trade discussions involving Zach Randolph have failed to come to fruition.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh was most recently engaged in talks with the Memphis Grizzlies, but multiple sources told Newsday that the Grizzlies have since reconsidered and decided to pass on Randolph. Walsh is still looking to find ways to shed Randolph's hefty contract, which has three years and $48 million left on it, but for now it appears that the 6-9 forward likely will remain a Knick when training camp opens in 11 days.
Last month, Walsh and Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace discussed a deal that would have sent Randolph to Memphis in exchange for center Darko Milicic and swingman Marko Jaric. The Grizzlies, however, also wanted Walsh to give up a first-round pick in the deal. With the Knicks' 2010 first-round pick already earmarked for the Utah Jazz as part of the Stephon Marbury trade from 2004 -- the pick was originally traded by Isiah Thomas to the Phoenix Suns, who later traded it to Utah -- Walsh does not want to give up any more draft picks.
But Walsh does want to rid the Knicks' payroll of Randolph's salary, which pays him $14.6 million this .season, $16 million next season and balloons to $17.3 million in 2010-11. Randolph did put up good numbers last season -- 17.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game -- but he is not considered a good fit in coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo scheme.
Considering his huge contract and prevailing questions about his character, Randolph will not be an easy player to move, but the Knicks have had their opportunities.
In July, the Los Angeles Clippers .expressed interest in Randolph, but Walsh declined their offer of a second-round pick .because the Clippers also asked for a first-round pick to come along with Randolph.
Thomas also had the opportunity to move Randolph before the trading deadline last season. The Denver Nuggets were deep in trade discussions before the deal fell apart in the 11th hour.
