28 Apr 2019 16:41:08
If the Knicks were gauranteed KD-Kyrie combo through back channels.

Knicks send:
Dennis Smith jr
Kevin Knox
Mitchell Robinson
Lance Thomas (salary filler)

Pacers send:
Myles Turner (post extension salary)
2019 18th pick

Pacers agree to this because it’s clearing the log jam at the 5. They get back lots of youth, including a dynamic lead guard who can play next to ball too, a combo forward with the potential to shoot, a back up big who’s a true shot blocker. Since Oladipio will be out like all of ‘20, this let's the Pacers have a season where the kids try to figure it out and develop (maybe tank) before Dipo gets back and then going for a playoff run.

Knicks do it because they need to clear out a heavy on ball presence is Smith, a guy who needs a lot of development and doesn’t offer a lot of defense in Knox, and with Turner Robinson would be repetitive. In return they a get a young all defense team worthy rim protector who has 3 point range and a good first round pick.

Kicks get 2nd in lottery, swap 2nd and 18 for 5 and 9 with the Hawks. Hawks select RJ Barrett. Knicks take Deandre Hunter at 5 (powerful combo forward with a great shot and defense but limited upside) and Coby White at 9 (college lead guard that looked good off ball tho, big guard with solid defense and a really good spot up 3).

Knicks can run:
1. Kyrie
2. Coby White (or Frank N)
3. KD
4. Deandre Hunter
5. Myles Turner

Before even looking at the middle tier FA market.

1.) 28 Apr 2019
28 Apr 2019 17:32:59
Doubt the Pacers would have any interest in any Knicks players.

2.) 28 Apr 2019
28 Apr 2019 17:35:36
Back channels? It's the NBA not the CIA. SMH lmao.

3.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 10:12:43
Not sure who disagreed with my comments, but don't you think that there would have to be tampering and collusion if something happened through "back channels"?
That would be highly illegal. If they were caught, there would be a heavy price to pay for the team (s) involved, the GMs and owners involved plus the agents.
No team/ GM/ owner would dare do that. So to suggest it on here is absolutely ridiculous.

4.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 14:40:39
Illegal? Maybe in the world outside of the NBA, but the NBA is a business and makes business decisions in the owners belief on what would be "the best interests of the league". Sometimes, these are not ethical or legal in the "real world" but within a large corporation, these "back channel" activities are often deemed necessary as long as the product (profit) is improved. There are way too many instances in the past 30-40 years to think otherwise.

5.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 16:26:16
Job where have you been for the last 10 years? there's been tampering and collusion every year, and teams get nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

6.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 16:33:04
Back channel guarantees and agreements happen all the time. The problem is that they're not binding, so any team that makes moves with those non-binding agreements in mind are fools.

7.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 17:20:41
If you guys think it would just be a slap on the wrist if this scenario ever happens, then you guys are high. Collusion and tampering are not in the best interests of the league. Especially, when you are talking about 2 high profile players.
Owners and GMs have been suspended. The NBA has forced owners to sell their teams because of things detrimental to the league. IE Ted Stepien and Donald Sterling
The league stepped in and canceled a trade between New Orleans and the Lakers for Chris Paul.
I guarantee it would never fly.

Someone, anyone give me an example (s) of it happening every year?

8.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 17:33:53
Illegal no, against the contract with NBA Inc. Yes. So Far these are
Lifetime suspension/ yrs suspension
Not paid
Forced to sell team for 2 billion.

9.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 18:11:34
Lol joeb you know every in and out of the biz huh?

10.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 18:16:35
You guys really think that agents don't talk with GMs and say "Yeah, my guy really wants to go there, so long as you offer the right deal" before July 1? But again, it's not like it's binding, either side could back out, so there's no guarantee.

11.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 10:20:23
Sure they do bmiller, but every potential free agent says they would love to play for their team when asked by local media when on the road.
Doesn't mean it's a real negotiation. That's where it would cross a line. Why do you think GM'S and owners cannot and will not talk about a player still under contract with another team.