Knicks Trade Darko for Brian Cardinal

The New York Knicks have agreed to trade seldom-used Darko Milicic to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal, according to multiple reports.

Citing sources, ESPN reported that the deal will be consummated Thursday -- prior to the 3 p.m. trade deadline, obviously, with a morning trade call planned.

The New York Post cited Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein, in its story. He told the newspaper, "Yes the deal has happened. [The Timberwolves] really want to give him a chance. Darko's a little gun-shy and surprised. This is the culmination of a real disappointment for him."

Cornstein also told the New York Daily News, "It's a disappointment. This is the final chapter of a bad story for him in New York."

Milicic told the Post in December that he was going to return to Europe next year despite the hope of a revitalization with the Knicks, who have buried the former No. 2 overall pick on the bench. As a result, he earned a spot in coach Mike D'Antoni's doghouse. Darko had said that he'd rather be bought out than traded so he would be able to spend more time with his newborn child, according to the newspaper.

Apparently, that will not happen.

The Post reported that New York general manager Donnie Walsh is trying to restock his team with talent so that it will not be depleted if the long-rumored Tracy McGrady deal goes through. The Knicks may give up defensive-minded forward Jared Jeffries and lottery pick Jordan Hill in that deal.

According to ESPN, however, the Knicks will waive Cardinal so that they can open a roster spot to better "facilitate" a deal to send Nate Robinson to the Boston Celtics.

One of the biggest draft busts in NBA history -- drafted between LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and ahead of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade -- Milicic has played in just eight games this season but not once since Nov. 13. He has averaged 2.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in his limited action.

Cardinal, in his tenth season, has averaged just 1.7 points this season for the rebuilding Timberwolves, who most likely are looking to catch lightning in a bottle with Darko.