Trading the Franchise: Jared Jeffries

Real GM has a pretty solid piece on possible trade scenarios for the New York Knicks' current franchise player, Jared Jeffries.

It's been posted for an entire week now, but given Knickerdom's recent rough stretch and the fast-approaching February 18th trade deadline, we might as well openly discuss such matters.

I must preface by mentioning that I began this season thinking Jeffries' increased playing time was, in fact, a trade showcase. He's long since won me over with his inspired play. Jeffries has finally begun to realize the potential that ballaholics and scouts saw in the Indiana University standout/freak of nature/1-5 position player back in 2002. Nearly every notch on the Knicks' meager win total is a direct result of his emergence as either a defensive catalyst or an agent of offensive cohesion. At this point I have to give him his due as the The Proud Ones' most important player.

Yes, I am aware that David Lee plays for the same team and missed an All-Star berth by a toenail's distance.

While Jeffries is still incapable of making a layup in traffic, his all-around effort is unmatched. He's even begun to finish around the basket with authority and concentration of late. According to 82 Minutes, Jeffries is the only Knick player logging significant minutes who owns a positive plus-minus rating this season to date. Sure, it's a staggering statistic exacerbated by comparison to that of shiftless negroes, but it also speaks volumes of his fortitude and positive contribution, particularly in the face of said shiftlessness.

Real GM compiles scenarios that make some degree of fiscal sense. They just don't all make basketball sense.

Jeffries doesn't really stand in the way of potential 2010 free agency plans if the Knicks can't move Eddy Curry for expiring contracts as well. I would only even consider trading Jeffries if Curry could go first or in the same deal. With the exception of a few teams who would rather line up their finances for 2011, I can't imagine who would be even mildly interested in such a transaction. A Jeremy Piven character couldn't pull this off in a screenplay, let alone Donnie Walsh in real life.

Knicks: Hey, I've got this Snickers bar here.

Other Team: What's that shit you've got tied to it?

NYK: Oh, it's exactly that--a 320-pound boulder of feces that attracts all of the negative energy our planet has to offer.

OT: Hmm... How much for the Snickers?

NYK: Well... If you look closely here on the packaging, it reads, 'Not for individual sale.' You will have to take the boulder of shit as well. And, I know what you're about to ask me--

OT: How can I use a 320-pound shit boulder with its own tiny storm cloud?

NYK: Exactly. You're a man who thinks on his feet. I like that... You can put it in your septic tank today and watch it dissolve slowly--just in time for waste removal later. Put that plumbing system to good use. You know what they say. Use it or lose it, right?

OT: How much for the Snickers and Murphy's Log?

NYK: Oh, not much. Just under $26 million.

OT: Fuck it. I'm in. I really want that Snickers. Where do I sign?

No. I can't see it happening either. Then again, I didn't think Larry Hughes would play in a Knick uniform again. So, what the fuck do I know? I'm just a Knicker Lover with a blog.

The Knicks may very likely need to proceed into the 2010-11 season without having signed a marquee free agent. New York must develop its current roster as if it will be next season's, 320-pound misfortune-conducting turd and all. Barring a miraculous return, trading Jeffries means giving up on the current season and possibly beyond. Productivity aside, Mr. Intangible's consistent improvement is characteristic of an attitude that needs to become pervasive throughout the team not only for the remainder of this season, but for years to come. 

Again, I can't believe I said all of that about Jared fucking Jeffries.

Comments

[Gamblingdiaries.blogspot.com]

i never thought i'd read that much about jared jeffries...AND whole-heartedly agree with it all.

every team could use a shane battier. jared is a broke man's shane on offense, but he's comparable on defense. word.