News and Rumors (7/3):
- Lots at stake with Knicks sign and trade for Nash:”Here’s what’s riding on the sign-and-trade scenario to land Nash: If the Knicks can get this done, they still have the taxpayer’s mid-level exception, which they could use to land Marcus Camby and bolster the frontline depth. Camby is getting interest from the Miami Heat, but he wants more than a veteran’s minimum. Camby behind Tyson Chandler would give the Knicks outstanding defense and experience at the center position. But if Nash falls through, that MLE needs to be used for a veteran point guard, such as Jason Kidd or Raymond Felton. That would likely end any shot at Camby.”- Alan Hahn via Sulia
Knicks go all-out for Nash with Mike D’Antoni helping cause by not burying franchise in talks with Nash: “Knicks now await Steve Nash’s decision, which could come within 24-48 hours. Nash has heard from Carmelo Anthony, who made it abundantly clear he is happy to have Nash run the offense and control the ball. Amar’e Stoudemire is in Spain running a basketball camp, but contacts Nash as well. Obviously he gets the most out of reuniting with the former 2-time MVP. Even Mike D’Antoni, I’m told, has not offered any disparaging thoughts about Nash playing for the Knicks.”- Alan Hahn via Sulia- Knicks interested in Rashard Lewis:”Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Miami HEAT have all expressed interest in unrestricted free agent forward Rashard Lewis. Lewis shares mutual interest with the HEAT, Lakers and Knicks in particular. They are all three over the cap, meaning they can only offer the mini-mid level to Lewis.”-Yannis Koutroupis HoopsWorld
- Suns offer Steve Nash $6 million for 2-years: “Suns Update: Trusted source informs me that Phx Suns offer to Steve Nash currently stands at = 2 years, $12 million.”- Paul Cavisi Twitter
- Camby has serious intrest in Knicks: “Marcus lives in New York in the offseason, and if it works out there, it would be terrific…There are a lot of different options and scenarios. It’s wait-and-see mode right now,” the source said. “But Marcus loved playing in New York, and one of his favorite times in the NBA was in New York.”- Jared Zwerling ESPNnewyork
- Pablo Prigioni waiting for an offer from Knicks: Claudio Villanueva on (his client) Pablo Prigioni’s future: “(The Knicks) made him go through several physical exams, and they were impressed by his physical condition. He also worked out twice individually. Two days later, Pablo received a list of schools where he could take his kids. Starting tomorrow, we will wait for the offer and we will study it(…)Money always matters. At the same time, this would be the cherry on top for his career. If that means he has to leave some money on the table, maybe we’d do it. (…) If Pablo gets to play 20 minutes a game in the NBA he will average 12 assists with his eyes closed and walking backwards.”- HoopsHype via recontravaleradio.com.ar
- Knicks Summer League players and brother of J.R. Smith, Chris Smith, expects his brother to return to Knicks: “”He loves New York,” Chris told ESPN New York by phone on Monday night while playing golf with J.R. in Los Angeles. “He’s looking for a great situation, and whatever suits him right, that’s what he’ll do. The main thing is him being happy; that’s all that really matters. But if I had to put a guess on it, he’ll be back in New York.”- Jared Zwerling ESPNnewyork
- Jeremy Lin withdraws from U.S. Olympic practice squad: “Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to participate in the 2012 USA Men’s Select Team this summer,” Lin said in a statement. “It was such an incredible honor to be selected, but I have withdrawn my name from the team because of my status as a free agent.(…)I hope to have the opportunity to participate with USA Basketball at some point in the future.”- Al Iannazzone Newsday
The Knicks are waiting for see where the chips falls with Steve Nash before that can move forward with the rest of their off-season plans. My guess is still that he returns to Dallas after Deron Williams re-signs today with the Nets. Should D-Will decide to take his talents to Dallas, my guess would be that the Knicks would then be able to lure Nash to the big apple.
As for coverage of free-agency so far, Jared Zwerling of ESPNnewyork has been absolutely killing it with his Knicks coverage. I cannot stand him on twitter, but he has landed some decent scoops. Also, Alan Hahn might not be on the beat anymore, but there is no one who is more connected and on the pulse of this team than Hahn. Make sure to follow him on twitter @AlanHahn and tune in this afternoon from 3-6 to hear Alan talk free-agency and co-host the Michael Kay show with Don LaGreca on ESPN 1050am and 98.7 fm.
