Knicks GM Scott Layden hasn’t made a trade in 13 months but he is on the verge of breaking the slide and shipping Latrell Sprewell for Keith Van Horn.
Last night, ESPN reported the Knicks will send Sprewell to Minnesota in a four-team deal that would bring Van Horn to New York. Atlanta would get cap relief in obtaining Terrell Brandon’s contract. Atlanta’s Glenn Robinson would go to Philadelphia. The Spurs, who tried to get Sprewell, would get shut out.
Ironically, Minnesota GM Kevin McHale said last summer he’d never trade for Sprewell but he’s been using Brandon’s contract as an asset. Brandon has all but retired. Ironically, the Knicks nearly traded Sprewell for Robinson last summer.
A Knicks source said the deal has been spoken about. “Nothing is planned, we’re still talking to a lot of teams,” a Knicks source said.
A Timberwolves official said, “Anyone who says it’s done is wrong.”
ESPN reported it will be completed today.
The Hawks’ sudden involvement came the day The Post reported Theo Ratliff wanted out of Atlanta, with one of the reasons being his dislike of Robinson. The Knicks have wanted Van Horn since last February’s trading deadline. The Sixers ended talks because they didn’t want a Sprewell-for-Van Horn swap.
The Knicks want Van Horn for his size and offensive rebounding and to get bigger at small forward. The problem of Sprewell playing out of position at small forward has been magnified the past two years.
In a candid interview with The Post at last week’s Boston summer league, Chaney said, “I hope something can be worked out. I’ve always liked him. A lot of people are highly critical of him. I like the way he plays. He gives you a different look on things. He’s a great offensive rebounder and hits the open shots. He creates situations. A lot of people dwell on the negatives.
“[Van Horn] was the No. 2 pick,” Chaney added. “Everybody wanted him to take over games. When it didn’t happen, they started picking him apart. I don’t know if he’s one of those guys who can handle a lot of criticism.”
Which is why some think he’s not a good New York fit.
“I think he can play both the 3 and 4,” Chaney added. “You may have to protect him defensively. He gives you a great dimension if you put him at the 3 spot.”
Last week, talks between the Spurs, Knicks and Sixers broke down. So the Knicks kept plugging away. Popovich desperately wants to get Sprewell but they will not part with Manu Ginobili or Malik Rose.
Layden has not made a trade in 13 months – dating to the Antonio McDyess deal. Layden has been unable to get Indiana to work a sign-and-trade for free-agent Brad Miller, who appears headed to either Utah or Denver for at least $7 million per.