Tag Archives: knicks rumors

Knicks considering signing Nate, Brand, Barnes

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Sources are reporting that there is mutual interest between the Knicks and free agents Nate Robinson, Elton Brand, and Matt Barnes. While Brand would likely be willing to take the minimum, Barnes could cost more and Nate would almost certainly demand most, if not all, of the Knicks $3.1 Million Midlevel Exception. While Brand seems like a strong candidate to join the roster, Nate still seems like a long shot (and signing him would likely signal the end of Chris Copeland’s days in New York, and maybe Pablo Prigioni’s as well). As for Barnes, he is the wild-card here. He might take the vet’s minimum, but he might get better offers elsewhere, and I am not sure if the Knicks would want to use their midlevel exception on him. More to come, stay tuned. -Tommy

 

BREAKING: Knicks to Acquire Bargnani for Novak, Camby, Picks

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By Tommy Rothman

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The Knicks and Raptors agreed on a deal Sunday that will send former #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani. Bargnani was drafted with the 1st pick by Toronto in 2006 and has averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds since then. The Knicks will send Steve Novak, Marcus Camby, a 2016 1st round pick, and two 2nd round picks to the Raptors. Bargnani had a down year this past season, causing Toronto to move him in what is essentially an exchange of bad contracts. The Knicks will give up picks, but they get the best player in the deal. Bargnani is a good shooter who can catch fire in a hurry. He can score inside and out. The Knicks got better in the short-term today, but the loss of picks, and fan favorite Steve Novak, will be a very tough pill to swallow. 

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.

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

Which Knicks Will Be Back This Season?

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By Tommy Rothman

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The Knicks head into the offseason with only 8 players under contract (not counting the recently retired Jason Kidd). Who will be back? Who will not? We go through every player on the roster.

Under contract

These players will be on the team unless they retire, are traded, or are released. 

Carmelo Anthony: Obviously not going anywhere.

Chances he is on roster: 100%

Mike Woodson: No way he gets fired before the season starts

Chances: 100%

Amar’e Stoudemire: We couldn’t get rid of him even if we wanted to.

Chances: 99%

Iman Shumpert: The team views him as a future star, would only trade him for a current one.

Chances: 95%

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Tyson Chandler: Good player, important to team. Trade value is a bit low, and contract is hard to trade, anyway. Would only be moved in a package for a star.

Chances: 90%

Raymond Felton: Good point guard, good contract. No reason to trade him, barring a surprise package for a big-time player.

Chances: 85%

Marcus Camby: We would probably love to get rid of his contract. But we probably can’t.

Chances: 85%

Steve Novak: Same contract problem as Camby, albeit probably a more useful player. But other teams could take interest as well.

Chances: 80%

James White: Could be a useful trade chip. His unguaranteed $1 million salary makes him an option for a team looking to save that amount of money (and cap space). Not very useful beyond that.

Chances: 40%

Jason Kidd: Already gone, released from his 3-year contract

Chances: 0%

Restricted Free Agents

These players are free agents. However, the Knicks can bring them back by matching any offer the RFA signs with another team, salary cap permitting. The Knicks are over the cap and do not have Bird Rights for either of their two RFA’s, so to match an offer greater than $1 million, the Knicks would have to dip into their $3.1 Midlevel Exception. To keep both of their RFA’s (or even just the second one on this list), it will likely cost them the entirety of their MLE.

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Pablo Prigioni: Knicks can probably only give him $1 million. Might be worth more, but likes New York, and has defined role here. Team may elect to take another point guard in the draft, which could mean the end of Pablo.

Chances: 50%

Chris Copeland: Worth more than Qualifying Offer of $1 million. Knicks can give him up to $3 million using their Midlevel Exception, which would probably prevent them from signing other Free Agents for more than the minimum. He wants  to stay, and it sounds like they want him back. Will probably receive bigger offers elsewhere, and probably more minutes. He reportedly turned down bigger offers last year to come to New York, and will need to do the same again.

Chances: 50%

Unrestricted Free Agents

These players are free agents and can sign with any team. The Knicks do not own the Bird Rights for any of these players, and they are over the cap. Therefore, they can only offer the minimum to Barron and Richardson. Martin will be offered the minimum, and probably a slight raise (around 20%) if they are allowed to use a Non-Bird Exception on him. Smith will be offered the Early-Bird Exception, assuming the Knicks want him back.

J.R Smith: Has clearly stated his desire to remain in New York. If the Knicks want to commit to him, they can give him around 6 million per year. Other teams might give him a bit more, but his unpredictability on and off the court probably keeps him in our price range. If we want him back, he should be back.

Chances: 80%

Kenyon Martin: Eligible for Vet’s minimum. Held out last year for a bigger contract. Didn’t work. He loves New York, will probably take offer of VM.

Chances: 70%

Earl Barron: Actually can be a useful big man, should be cheap. They should keep him. Not sure if they will.

Chances: 50%

Quentin Richardson: Can’t see the organization bringing him back. Not much upside.

Chances: 10%

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Draft Pick

Whoever we draft will be on the team unless we trade them.

Chances: 90%

Who should the Knicks bring back? Who should be sent packing? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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Do the Knicks Have a New Alternate Jersey?

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Iman Shumpert posted THIS picture on his instagram 30 minutes ago.

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