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Flight Cancelled: Knicks to Let Go of James White

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White missed this ambitious dunk in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, as well as most of the shots he took during games. He will not be a Knick next season

The Knicks declined James White’s option on Saturday, according to sources. This means that the 30 year old guard will not be back with the team next season. White was signed for his defense and his explosive leaping ability, but struggled to produce and was a major disappointment in the dunk contest. White became a fan favorite in some ways due to his Youtube legacy and his interaction with fans (and haters) online (including yours truly), but did not bring much to the team from a basketball standpoint, which is why he will not be back next season. White will draw interest from a couple teams, but will likely sign with a team in China or Europe, where he can make more money and have a bigger role. -Tommy Rothman

CHRIS COPELAND OPEN TO REJECTING LUCRATIVE OFFERS FOR KNICKS RETURN (Via RealGM)

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Via RealGM

 

Just last year, Chris Copeland rejected substantial proposals from clubs to fulfill his desire to play in the NBA. After a breakout season with the New York Knicks, Copeland knows he’ll once again have to pass up larger offers for his hope: a return to the Knicks.

European powerhouse FC Barcelona has elevated its pursuit of Copeland and wants to start negotiations on a lucrative contract for the 6-foot-8 forward, league sources told RealGM. Copeland will listen to all potential suitors, but still, he’s made clear his willingness to return to the Knicks even if they aren’t able to match his most pricey offer.

“Returning is very much an option,” Copeland’s agent, John Spencer, told RealGM. “He turned down several options to play, turned down enormous money to get an NBA opportunity last year. He wants to play and wants to contribute. The Knicks are a good organization, with Mike Woodson and the list goes on.

“There’s a chance another team will potentially pick him up, obviously, but the Knicks gave Chris the opportunity to play and he’s loyal because of that.”

Copeland, 29, had scoring outbursts throughout the Knicks’ season, dropping seven 20-point performances including pouring in 55 points over the final two games of the regular season. When given increased minutes in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Copeland averaged 6.2 points on 55 percent three-point shooting.

Several NBA teams are expected to chase Copeland in free agency, but he told reporters at season’s end he only envisions himself as a Knick. To remain with the Knicks, Copeland, a restricted free agent, would have to accept the mini mid-level exception as the most the franchise can offer.

New York Knicks Rookie CJ Leslie Highlight Reel (VIDEO)

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CJ Leslie, ranked #41 on the ESPN Big Board, could have easily been a first-round pick. Instead, he fell through the draft and was signed by the Knicks on Friday. Ranked as the 7th best Small Forward in the draft class, CJ brings size and INSANE athleticism. Check out his highlights here. -Tommy

 

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Knicks Sign Undrafted Free Agent CJ Leslie + Scouting Report

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The Knicks reached a deal with undrafted free agent CJ Leslie on Friday. Leslie was ranked at #41 on ESPN’s big board, and #7 among Small Forwards, so this seems like a steal for the Knicks. The 22 year old Leslie played his college ball at NC State. here is the scouting report on Leslie, via ESPN

Pros:

  • Big-time athlete
  • Explosive leaping ability
  • Finishes way above the rim
  • Runs the floor like a guard
  • Great quickness for someone his size
  • Emerging perimeter game
  • Excellent shot-blocker
  • Good ball handler for his size

Cons:

  • Needs to add a lot of strength
  • Lacks any real presence in the post on the offensive end
  • Poor free throw shooter

Leslie is 6’9 and weights 209 pounds. If he is an athletic small forward without a post game, it seems like he could be the next Wilson Chandler, especially if he puts on a few pounds of muscle. This seems like a solid signing for the Knicks, so let’s hope he makes the team. -Tommy

BREAKING: Garnett to Approve Trade, Join Brooklyn in Blockbuster Deal

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Kevin Garnett will approve the trade to Brooklyn and will become a Net along with Paul Pierce and Jason Terry. Brooklyn will send 3 first rounders, Gerald Wallace, Reggie Evans, Kris Humphries, and probably a bit more to Boston.

TOMMY’S THOUGHTS:

The Nets give up Wallace, Evans, Humphries for KG and Pierce and Terry. They allegedly win this half of the deal by a LOT, so they give up THREE 1st rounders to compensate. But do they win the player swap by THAT much? KG will get them 10 and 10 every night until he breaks down (which should be soon). But can’t Evans / Humphries do that? I think they can. And before you talk about KG’s Defense, Wallace was very good at defense too, and was tough like KG. Pierce is good but not great, and he and Joe Johnson could have problems with their similar styles… they both need the ball to succeed.  Pierce is also on his way out; he should break down VERY soon. Also, can these guys play for a coach who is THEIR AGE, who they were drafted basically at the same time as, and who they  were rivals against until like 2 weeks ago? And Terry seems pretty washed up.
Best case scenario for Brooklyn, they get a solid upgrade for ONE year. But I don’t think the upgrade is that great, and long-term, it’s definitely a bad trade. Not sure about the cap long-term, I have to look at that, but I don’t think Brooklyn made a very good deal… certainly nothing us Knicks fans should be worried about.