DAVIS FOR ROSE
The Toronto Raptors acquired forward-center Antonio Davis from the New York Knicks for guard-forward Jalen Rose, a first-round draft pick in 2006 and cash.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
The deal only gives Toronto one thing: Major financial flexibility. But, ironically, at what price? By dumping Rose on the Knicks and then watching Davis's contract expire after this season, the Raps will free up--get ready--roughly $17 million for next season. Davis is a solid vet who has been in Toronto before and might give the team a little muscle and leadership for half a season, but for the Purple and Red this deal is all about the green. The price for getting all that cash off their books was a 2006 first-round draft pick, one they received in the Vince Carter fiasco trade. A steep price indeed, but a price Toronto was obviously willing to pay.
What does it give the New York Knicks
Yet another overpriced talent who doesn't play defense, but also a 2006 first-round draft pick. The Knicks may be the only team in the NBA that doesn't seem to worry about money and this deal is another testament to that. Besides paying half a season of Rose's $15.7 million salary (which is no big deal because Davis made a similar amount), they're on the hook for the $16.9 million he'll make next season. For the Knicks, it points again to an interesting ongoing theme: The need to keep looking like they're contending for the New York fans, while quietly stockpiling young talent so they actually will make a run at a title in a few years.
Fantasy impact
