Knicks close to dealing Robinson to Celtics

Nate Robinson is expecting to be $1 million richer Thursday, while the Knicks are hoping to be at least $9.2 million more flexible, as the NBA's 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches with the Knicks working on several scenarios.

Donnie Walsh, who made his first pre-deadline deal last night when he sent unused center Darko Milicic to the Timberwolves for forward Brian Cardinal, has the framework of a deal in place to move Robinson to the Boston Celtics with a return of veteran guard Eddie House and second-year guard J.R. Giddens. A source said a deal was "close" but the principals in the deal could still change by the deadline. The Celtics were believed to be seeking a third team to help facilitate the deal.

Meanwhile, it appears an even more complicated deal with the Houston Rockets that involves Tracy McGrady coming to the Knicks, who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday, will go down to the final minutes. It'll be up to the Rockets to either make a deal for something or opt to keep McGrady and let him walk this summer for nothing in return.

With the Chicago Bulls almost totally out of the picture - last night the Bulls accomplished their salary cap-saving goals by sending John Salmons, who was held out of the game at the Garden, to the Bucks for Kurt Thomas and Francisco Elson - Walsh is aware the Knicks are Houston's best option in a McGrady trade. And Walsh doesn't want to mortgage too much of the future, so it is believed he wants to put restrictions on first-round picks that may be included in a potential deal.

More than acquiring McGrady, the real motivation here is that Jared Jeffries ($6.8 million in 2010-11) would be included in the deal. Jeffries was held out of the second half last night with what the team called a sore right knee. Also believed to be part of the Rockets' asking price for taking Jeffries is rookie Jordan Hill, whom Walsh is not ready to give up easily. But moving Jeffries and Hill for an expiring contract would clear an additional $9.2 million off the 2010-11 cap, which could open up enough room for the Knicks to make two maximum salary contract offers to free agents this summer.

At the very least, it allows for more flexibility in rebuilding through free agency and trades.

Walsh found a way to save some money this season with the trade of Milicic, who was sent to Minnesota with cash considerations. Both Milicic and Cardinal are in the final years of their respective contracts.

Milicic had wanted the Knicks to waive him but made it clear he had no interest in negotiating a buyout of his $7.5- million salary. So instead Walsh took the option of moving him to Minnesota for Cardinal ($6.75 million) in a trade that saved the Knicks about $1.5 million in salary and luxury tax.

And if the Knicks somehow battle back and make the playoffs, Walsh might have saved another million in dealing Robinson. As an incentive for Robinson - and David Lee, who received the same bonus - to focus on the success of the team over personal achievements, Walsh included $1-million bonus payout for making the playoffs this season.