The New York Knicks and Kenyon Martin have agreed to terms on a contract to keep the veteran big man in New York. The two sides had been discussing a return for quite some time and it appears that the talks were successful. More details are still to come on the terms of the deal, but Kenyon Martin will be a Knick.
Tommy Rothman
After taking a successful gamble on a 28 year-old Euroleague player last season, the Knicks appear ready to do the same thing this year. Chris Copeland has taken his dreadlocks and his (under-utilized) talents to Indiana, but Bobby Brown has emerged as a strong candidate to be a Knick. There have been multiple reports that Brown has been working out with the Knicks and that he is a very strong candidate to be signed to a minimum contract before the summer is over. The 28 year-old point guard has been one of the best players in Europe during his time overseas, and would be a low-risk, high-reward option to fill the 3rd point guard spot on the depth chart for New York. Brown is a natural scorer, a good ball-handler, and an explosive athlete. Signing him would be an excellent move by the Knicks.
By Tommy Rothman
With teams starting to fill out their rosters, here are the rumors surrounding the Knicks, as well as some news from the past few days
– When asked about Nate Robinson, Glen Grunwald said the Knicks are still exploring options at Point Guard. The Knicks have interest in Robinson. Nate also has interest in a return but the fact that the Knicks can only give him 1.4 million could prevent a deal from getting done.
By Tommy Rothman
Kenyon is confused. So are we.
Kenyon Martin was a key player for the Knicks down the stretch. K-Mart provided defense, rebounding, toughness, and even a bit of scoring here and there. Martin played valuable minutes for the team down the stretch and during the playoffs. Martin is a free agent.
Why? Why is Martin still a free agent? The answer remains unclear. From all indications, there is mutual interest between the two sides. Iman Shumpert told reporters that Martin was interested in returning, Knicks GM Glen Grunwald told reporters that Martin is a priority and is getting full consideration from the team, and Head Coach Mike Woodson expressed interest in having Martin back on the team next year as well. Quotes from Kenyon himself make it seem like he wants to return. The day after the Knicks were eliminated, Martin was asked by a reporter what he though was the first thing the Knicks should do this offseason. Kenyon quickly responded “Sign Kenyon Martin”.
It seems like the Knicks want to do just that. Martin is valuable to the team and is a fan-favorite in New York. At this point, money should not be much of a sticking point. The Knicks can offer Martin the veteran’s minimum and nothing more or less. The dollar figure is a constant. Is contract length the sticking point? Does Martin believe he can make more money elsewhere, despite the fact that, for the second offseason in a row, he has zero offers? Is there something we don’t know about? Only time can tell, but right now, the fact that a useful player with a non-negotiable price tag remains in limbo with the team is slightly troubling and very confusing. Let’s hope for the sake of both parties that the Knicks and Martin can come to terms on a deal soon. Stay tuned.
The Knicks reached an agreement with Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) on Monday. The deal is for 2 years and is worth approximately $1.6 Million per year, meaning that the Knicks have used their entire midlevel exception and now can only offer the veteran’s minimum salary to free agents ($1.4 M). World Peace, an elite defender, gives the Knicks more flexibility with their rotations and provides a level of toughness few in the NBA can match. Signing Metta solves the Knicks’ needs behind Carmelo Anthony at the Small Forward position. Up next? The Knicks must find a third point guard and shore up their depth in the front court. Re-Signing Kenyon Martin could emerge as their main priority in the next couple days. Nate Robinson will get a look at the Point, but is likely to sign elsewhere for more money. Jeremy Tyler, Toure Murry, and Jerome Jordan are candidates to make the team out of Summer League, and Earl Barron might be on his way back (at the minimum salary, of course). What moves do YOU want to see from the team? Let us know in the comments!
-Tommy Rothman
Sunday’s 5 PM waiver deadline came and went, Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) has cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. ESPN is reporting that Metta is hoping to join the Knicks, and the interest appears to be mutual. Mike Woodson seemed very open to the possibility of bringing World Peace to New York. It looks like Metta is coming home, although nothing is set in stone yet. Stay tuned. -Tommy
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