For the player, it's a three month audition; a chance to silence the doubters and launch a comeback on basketball's grandest stage.
For the team, it's a salary dump of $9 million, which gives them $30 million to play with when The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010 officially begins in July.
These are the reasons Tracy McGrady and the New York Knicks joined forces via a complex three team trade on Wednesday night. Right now, as of this moment, they need each other.
After an ugly ending with the Houston Rockets, McGrady is ready for a return. His micro-fractured knee has apparently healed and there will be shots, minutes, and touches galore in Coach Mike D'Antoni's run-and-gun scheme.
In fact,'7 Seconds or Less' and New York are perfect for McGrady. He'll only have to do what he does best: score. Defense won't matter. And winning won't matter since Knick-nation is bidding its time until free agency.
Now McGrady -who has a $23 million expiring contract, making him a free agent July 1st- must capitalize on the situation. After all, the stakes are high. If he performs, a team signs him this summer. If he flops, his career is finished.
When veteran executive Donnie Walsh took the reins in New York two years ago, he had an ambitious plan: to clear millions off the payroll, so the Knicks could sign a top free agent in the summer of 2010.
At the time, it represented a 180 degree switch from the free spending of Isiah Thomas. Still, Walsh bought out, cut, renounced rights, and traded big tickets, positioning the club for the coming free agent bonanza.
There were unforeseen complications, though. The economy crumbled, which lowered revenues and the money teams could pay free agents. Also, top talent such as Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade seemed comfortable with the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat.
Enter McGrady. After acquiring his expiring contract, the Knicks will be $30 million under the salary cap in July, meaning they can offer two of the big three free agents max' deals.
Forget New York's legacy as an NBA heritage franchise. Forget New York's reputation as a world class city. And forget New York's power as a media capital.
Walsh, with this trade, can offer Bosh, James, and Wade something of far greater significance: a chance for two of these superstars to become teammates.
Permanently.
No more conjuring up dream scenarios at All-Star games or international tournaments involving USA Basketball. This would be a full time arrangement; a dominant machine that would frighten opponents.
So they'll consider Walsh's offer. After all, Bosh, James, and Wade understand July and New York may be the only time and place they get to partner with another Hall of Fame, once in a generation player.
For now, this trade is an audition and salary dump. Six months from now, it could be so much more for McGrady and New York.
Has T-Mac improved the Knicks' chances at Bosh, McGrady, and Wade? Let us know in the comment box below. Photo courtesy of cisco hdz .