May 19, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Kenyon Martin (2) fouls San Antonio Spurs point guard Gary Neal (14) during the first half of game three of the Western Conference semi finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

In early January, SI reported that there was a link between the Knicks and free-agent Kenyon Martin.  This is one of those minor moves that can provide a major upgrade to the Knicks. With so much uncertainty still surrounding injured big men Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby, the Knicks could afford to give an interior presence such as K-Mart a chance to get back into the NBA.

There is also a level of uncertainty about Martin as he hasn’t played this season in addition to reported attitude issues, but I don’t think either would pose a problem. Martin saw a slight decline last year, but still proved to be a valuable defender and I don’t think most people would doubt that he has the ability to perform on the same level as Wallace and Camby. The fit in New York extends beyond replacing injured Knicks too, as Martin should easily be able to gel with a strong core of veterans, including some of his ex-Nuggets teammates in Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, and the aforementioned Camby.  The marriage between the team and K-Mart may be a little further off than it should be, as Martin is reportedly seeking more than the veteran’s minimum, so there will have to be some sacrifices for this to become a reality.

So long as Wallace is out, the Knicks can also give a look to their undrafted rookie Henry Sims. Currently on the Erie Bayhawks, the Knicks D-League affiliate, Sims is nearly averaging 17 ppg and 9 rpg with over a block a game as well. He has also been coming

Jan 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Marreese Speights (15) grabs a rebound in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

on strong of late, recording four straight double-double performances. If there were ever a time to see what Sims could bring to the table, it would be now. Compared to all the oft-injured and older bodies the Knicks currently are rotating in the front court, it would be a nice change of pace to see the 6’10”, fresh-legged 22-year-old get a shot to provide reliable minutes.

The Knicks should also look at some potential trade opportunities. Marreese Speights, who was recently traded from Memphis to Cleveland, is a solid target that would make sense.  Speights has a player option of $4.5MM for next season; an option that the Cavs would be best served not risking him declining after the season since they aren’t contenders this year. It would be ideal for them to get some value this year for him if they have an indication that he wont pick up the option, since his part in their rebuilding process isn’t guaranteed. Speights would serve the Knicks well as a 6’10” rebounder and shot blocker, who in his 4 games in Cleveland has also showed some offensive ability with 14 ppg. There would have to be a little creativity with the cap, but it could be a worthwhile idea if the Knicks could make it work and Cleveland is willing.

The latest one has the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers on the verge of completing the first trade of the season.

Jan 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Wayne Ellington (3) with the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The deal breaks down like this:  Memphis will send Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby and a protected first-round draft pick in 2015 to Cleveland in exchange for Jon Leuer, reports Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Cleveland has the cap room to assume Ellington’s expiring $2 million contract, as well as Speights $4.2 million expiring contract. Selby and the pick are likely just sweeteners for the Cavs taking on the additional money for this season.

As for Memphis, this looks like mostly a money deal as the Grizzlies will move further below the tax line, which is big as the deal saves them about $6 million. Although now the Grizzlies will be below the roster minimum so they will have to add a player or two.

In addition to Leuer, the Grizzlies will get a couple of trade exceptions worth the amount of Speights’ and Ellington’s salaries- $4,200,000 and $2,083,042 respectively.

The Grizzlies have been rumored in a ton of deals during the past month that mostly centered around Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph, but it looks like Memphis will keep their two stars for now.

They were able to save money by dealing Speights, who had a reduced role this season after playing well last year when Randolph was injured.

All three guys should get more of an opportunity in Cleveland this season, but the trade doesn’t hurt the Cavs long-term plans as both Speights and Ellington will come off their books next season.

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