Thursday, July 23, 2009

Hope For The Knicks

The Knicks "Subway" logoImage via Wikipedia

Knicks fans may have some hope. Due to the terrible financial restictions of most NBA teams going into the 2009-2010 season the Knicks have played the waiting game and may be able to retain two of their hugest assets in David Lee and Nate Robinson.

From the Daily News:

"Nate wants to stay in New York."

Goodwin refused to discuss terms of a possible deal, but according to a Knicks source, Robinson is expected to sign a one-year contract worth between $4 million and $5 million, or at least $1 million more than his qualifying offer.

Goodwin has had talks with European clubs about Robinson, but the agent denied that he's used those conversations as leverage with the Knicks.

"We did not call up the Greek club (Olympiakos) to drum up an opportunity for Nate," he said. "They called us."

One league executive suggested that Robinson's deal is being delayed due to negotiations between the Knicks and their other restricted free agent, David Lee. For weeks, Lee's agent has made it clear he is looking for a contract that will pay his client $12 million annually.

The only team with cap space to sign Lee outright is Portland. There is also a possibility of a sign-and-trade with a number of teams. The Knicks would prefer to sign Lee to a one-year deal, which would enable them to retain his Bird Rights and also give the club flexibility for the free agent class of 2010. If Robinson were to sign for $5 million, Lee would likely ask for $10 million since, unlike Robinson, he is a full-time starter.

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