Jonathan Abrams of the New York Times writes... ------------------------- The Knicks have engaged in trade discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers in hopes of prying guard Rudy Fernandez, according to an N.B.A. executive. In the past, Fernandez has voiced displeasure over his role with Portland. The Knicks are on the verge of a free agency they hope will vastly restock their team and have long been interested in Fernandez. If the talks proceed, the Knicks will most likely part with Wilson Chandler or Toney Douglas. ------------------------- Update (10:35AM): Alan Hahn of Newsday confirms the story and then later says the Knicks are "interested" but "nothing is imminent." Next year's salaries: Chandler = $2.13 million, Douglas = $1.07 million, Fernandez = $1.25 million. While Douglas's salary next year is just a modest bump over his $996,000 salary this year, Chandler's compensation is set to jump up from $1.26 million this year. Chandler was the more important of the two for the Knicks last year. But if clearing cap space for free agency remains their goal, I think they would prefer moving Chandler to Douglas. Neither Chandler (a physical wing who has seen variable playing time during his career) nor Douglas (an undersized scoring combo guard selected in the 2009 first round) is a fantastic fit on the Blazers roster. The Knicks don't have a first round pick this year, although there are reports they are trying to buy in. Would you be disappointed if Fernandez was moved in a trade that didn't help the Blazers get up the draft board? Here's audio from yesterday's Morning Sports Page. I discuss the Draft Prospect Board, draft strategy, and some thoughts on other first round prospects. I briefly touch on the possibility of Fernandez being moved and how that might change what the Blazers would be looking for. Segment starts at the 5 minute mark. If you're looking for more draft talk audio this morning, Coup from Rip City Project did a quick preview podcast. Also, check out our contribution to Ridiculous Upside's Mock Draft. With the 22nd pick in the SB Nation Mock Draft, Dave selects...............................( click through) Update (11:10AM): Sean Meagher has a deep batch of league-wide draft links. -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter