The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 23, 1997: "Knicks Acquire Mills in 5 Player Deal"

The New York Knicks acquired veteran swingman Chris Mills and 2 second round draft picks from the Boston Celtics in exchange for rookie F John Thomas, second year forwards Walter McCarty and Dontae’ Jones, and G Scott Brooks.

Notes:

• • 1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

    Chris Mills, New York: $2.6 M

    Walter McCarty, Bos.: $862.6 K

    Dontae’ Jones, Boston: $795 K

    John Thomas, Boston: $640.4 K

    Scott Brooks, Boston: $326 K

    Who got the better of the deal?

    Neither club..

    Why?

    Knicks’ head coach Jeff Van Gundy summed up the deal very well: “We’re trying to win right now.”  Well, the Knicks better win right now because they have little or no future left after this deal.

    Chris Mills signed a seven year, $33.6 M contract with Boston earlier this summer as a free agent.  He is expected to back up Larry Johnson at the small forward spot.

    Knicks GM Ernie Grunfeld believes: "Mills is just hitting his prime.  He makes us two-deep at every position.  We are as deep as any team in the league."

    "We feel we have at least a four-year window to get it done," added Patrick Ewing. "And that's our goal. To get it done now."

    Patrick is not quite accurate.  The Knicks window is not 4 years.  In truth, it’s no more than 2 years and the window is closing fast.

    Walter McCarty was playing very well this pre - season.  However, some questioned whether the 6’10”, 230 pound forward could maintain his impressive pre - season performance throughout the regular season.

    McCarty joins former college coach Rick Pitino in Boston. ''I love this trade,'' said the Kentucky alumnus.  ''I can't wait to get back to playing Coach P's style.  I'm familiar with what he wants, what he expects, what's expected of you.''  He should become Boston’s starting small forward before too long.

    Dontae’ Jones is the key to the trade. He has yet to live up to expectations from his days at Mississippi State.  Many have questioned his maturity and work ethic.

    ''This is a dream come true,'' Jones said of the deal.  ''I needed the change.  It's more of a free-lance style.  I can't wait to play the Knicks four times a year.''

    ''Jones is the X factor,'' Pitino said. ''He could be a great player for us.  Or he could be a bust."

    John Thomas was expected to be groomed as a future replacement for Knick mainstay Charles Oakley at the power forward position. Now, he should add some much needed bulk and toughness to the Cs frontline.

    The Celtics also gained much needed salary cap flexibility.  McCarty and Jones are free agents in the summer of 1999 while Thomas is eligible for free agency in the summer of 2000.