Sportsbook.com:
Knicks Likely to Sign Artest
If the New York Knicks didn't
have enough problems on their hands, they may
soon have another. Sportsbook.com odds makers
believe the Knicks are the team most likely
to land the NBA's latest problem child, Ron
Artest. The all-star small forward and former
defensive player of the year, requested a trade
from the Indiana Pacers over the weekend, and
it appears the Pacers will grant his request.
The
Knicks are 5-2 favorites to bring Artest back
to New York, where he grew up.
"The
Knicks are struggling and if there's one team
and one GM in the league willing to make major
mid-season changes, it's New York and Isaiah
Thomas," said Peter Childs, Odds Maker,
Sportsbook.com. "Larry brown loves defense,
which Artest brings by the boat load, and he's
coached Artest before. The question is do the
Knicks have enough talent in return to entice
the Pacers."
A
team that could also pull the trigger is Sacramento,
who has its own disgruntled star in Peja Stojakovic.
Rumors of an Artest for Stojakovic deal go back
a couple of years and now the timing may finally
be right. Sacramento is a 3-1 bet to pull off
a trade for Artest, followed by Atlanta at 6-1,
Memphis at 8-1 and Philadelphia at 12-1 with
players such as Al Harrington, Shane Battier
and Kyle Korver making the rounds. Dallas and
Toronto, with Jerry Stackhouse, Morris Peterson
and Eric Williams in play, are both 15-1 shots.
"Artest
is possibly the best defender in the League
and also has a rapidly developing offensive
game. If he can keep his emotions in check he
could turn a team from also-rans to contender,
or from contender to NBA champion," added
Childs.
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