The Knicks extended a Qualifying offer to Chris Copeland on Tuesday, making him a Restricted Free Agent. The offer is worth roughly $1 million, and Copeland has until July 23 to accept. The QO is mostly a formality, as Copeland is worth more than $1 million. The Knicks can match any offer up to roughly $3.1 million for the first year. Cope demonstrated a natural ability to score the ball that will certainly draw the interest of many teams. It has been reported that Cope is looking for “Steve Novak Money”, which is a reference to the 4 year, $16 million dollar contract the Knicks gave Novak last summer. It is also being reported that the Pacers are interested in Cope, and that the Pelicans (formerly known as the Hornets) are prepared to make Copeland an offer that the Knicks can’t match. If Cope follows the money, which is something he has every right to do as a 29 year old who has made very little money so far, he will probably end up elsewhere next season. Copeland has shown a desire to be a Knick, and the Knicks would like to keep him, so hopefully, Copeland will remain with the team next season. But with more money out there for him, and probably more playing time, it is no guarantee that Cope will be playing his home games at MSG next season. -Tommy Rothman