tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Walsh Responds to Questions on Carmelo Deal

This afternoon on the Mike Francesa show, Donnie Walsh was specifically asked about reports that he was pushed aside in the negotiations leading up to the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster trade.  Walsh made it very clear that he and Mike D'Antoni were involved throughout the process and that he was quite happy with the trade.  Francesa asked Walsh why owner James Dolan was involved and Walsh indicated that the owner for the Nuggets was Denver's lead negotiator which dictated Dolan's involvement.

Walsh felt very confident that Amare and Carmelo would be able to work well together and stated that Billups is a big piece of the deal.  Francesa asked Walsh if he was interested in staying on with the Knicks beyond this June when his contract was up and Walsh said he wanted to finish the job he started and the only thing that would alter his mind would be his health.  Walsh told Francesa that he was feeling well. 

To me this is as important as acquiring Anthony.  Donnie Walsh is a proven winner who has done a tremendous job in getting the Knicks out of cap hell which has allowed the acquisition of Stoudamire and Anthony.  To turn the franchise back over to Isiah Thomas would be a disaster.  Hopefully, Dolan doesn't do anything stupid.  Time will tell and we'll be watching.

In the meantime, the Knicks have become relevant again thanks to Donnie Walsh!!