NEW YORK — The New York Knicks traded Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford in separate deals Friday, parting with their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010.
Crawford was sent to Golden State for forward Al Harrington. Hours later, Randolph was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers along with reserve guard Mardy Collins for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.
The Knicks gave up 40 points per game for a chance to cash in on something much bigger.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh has repeatedly said his goal was to get under the cap in time for a potentially sensational free-agent crop that could be headlined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
“I think that opening up cap space down the road for us is a big plus on our side and I hope our fans understand that that can give us an opportunity to make the team better according to the plan that I’ve outlined,” Walsh said. “So I’m trying to be true to what I said from day one, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Both Randolph and Crawford have deals that extend past 2010. Randolph is scheduled to make $17.3 million and Crawford $10.1 million in 2010-11. None of the players the Knicks brought back are under contract past 2010.
James, Wade and Bosh, all members of the U.S. Olympic team, could become free agents that summer. However, coach Mike D’Antoni said the Knicks are still focused on the present.
“I do think the guys that we traded for are going to come in and be a bonus,” D’Antoni said before the Knicks’ game at Milwaukee. “Good veterans, and I really want to dispel the notion that OK, we did it to clear (cap space) — which we did, and obviously we have a long-term plan.”
Friday’s games
76ers 89, Clippers 88
PHILADELPHIA — Elton Brand hit a 15-footer with 57 seconds to go and finished with 17 points in his first game against Los Angeles, leading Philadelphia to a victory.
Lakers 104, Nuggets 90
LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 29 points in the third quarter before sitting out the fourth and Andrew Bynum finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds for Los Angeles.
Bulls 115, Warriors 110
OAKLAND, Calif. — Larry Hughes made five 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, and Chicago rookie Derrick Rose scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half.
Trail Blazers 117, Kings 94
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Steve Blake made six 3-pointers and scored 20 points, and Portland scored the final 10 points of the third quarter to open a 94-69 lead that was never cut below 20 in the fourth.
Bucks 104, Knicks 87
MILWAUKEE — Charlie Villanueva tied a season high with 20 points in his return from injury for Milwaukee.
Celtics 95, Timberwolves 78
MINNEAPOLIS — In Kevin Garnett’s first game at the Target Center since being traded before last season, he scored 17 points to help Boston.
Nets 129, Raptors 127 (OT)
TORONTO — Vince Carter scored 39 points against his former team, Devin Harris added 30 and New Jersey rallied from an 18-point, third-quarter deficit to beat Toronto.
Mavericks 91, Grizzlies 76
DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Jason Kidd had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Dallas got its first home victory of the season.
Rockets 103, Wizards 91
WASHINGTON — Tracy McGrady scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Yao Ming added 18 and Houston defeated Washington.
Magic 100, Pacers 98 (OT)
INDIANAPOLIS — Dwight Howard had 24 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks, and Orlando beat Indiana in overtime.
Spurs 119, Jazz 94
SAN ANTONIO — Roger Mason scored 29 points and San Antonio made 15 of 25 3-pointers.
Hawks 88, Bobcats 83
ATLANTA — Joe Johnson scored 30 points, Marvin Williams added 22 and Atlanta beat Charlotte.
Hornets 105, Thunder 80
David West scored 19 points, Chris Paul added 17 in the city where his NBA career began and New Orleans had a triumphant return to Oklahoma City.
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