Saturday, November 22, 2008

The Knicks traded F Zach Randolph and G Jamal Crawford in separate deals yesterday, parting with their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010.

Crawford was sent to the Warriors for F-C Al Harrington. Hours later, Randolph was shipped to the Clippers along with G Mardy Collins for G Cuttino Mobley and F Tim Thomas.

The Knicks gave up 40 points per game for a chance to cash in on something much bigger.

Knicks President Donnie Walsh repeatedly has said his goal was to get under the cap in time for a potentially sensational free agent crop that could be headlined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Despite being so short-handed last night, PG Stephon Marbury still didn't play -- which Coach Mike D'Antoni said was Marbury's decision.

· JAZZ: Top scorer Carlos Boozer sat out against the Spurs because of a left quadriceps strain, joining PG Deron Williams (ankle sprain) on the bench.

· RAPTORS: F Jermaine O'Neal strained his left knee when he was pulled down on a flagrant foul by New Jersey's Sean Williams in the fourth quarter.

He hobbled into the locker room alongside the trainer and the team said he would undergo further tests.

· SPURS: G Manu Ginóbili could return to the lineup next week, earlier than expected after he had surgery on his left ankle in September to repair ligament damage.

The Spurs also are missing PG Tony Parker, who is sidelined by a sprained left ankle and is expected to be out at least two more weeks.

· HAWKS: C Al Horford returned to the lineup against Charlotte after missing the previous contest with a sprained right ankle.

-- From News Services