The Knicks Fix

Grant Hill's agent Lon Babby said on a conference call today that Hill turned down a one-year offer from the Knicks for the full mid-level exception of $5.8M.

Instead he chose to stay in Phoenix for one year at $3M and a player option year in 2010-11 for $3.24M.

The Knicks also had a three-year deal on the table, with the third year a player option, with the same scale as the Suns' offer. Babby said if Hill chose New York he would have not taken the three-year deal, but the one-year full MLE.

So that's two free agents down. Is Andre Miller next? According to a person close to him, Miller hasn't reached the point where he is ready to start considering taking the mid-level. Portland may not be an option if they trade for Kirk Hinrich, but Miller could find sign-and-trade scenarios.

This is going to be a long summer, Fixers. Donnie Walsh's best play at this point -- after the two main targets opted not to come here -- is to wait out the process and see what comes begging for that MLE as July turns to August.

And one thought on the Steve Nash front: Hill staying in Phoenix is an obvious sign that Nash plans to stay there, too. But for how long? That player option is key for Hill to escape if Nash leaves next summer in free agency.

UPDATE: My old buddy Gambo, a popular and well-connected sports radio host in Phoenix (and a former Newsday sports writer), says Nash will meet with Suns brass next week in Las Vegas to discuss a two-year, $20M extension. Possibly scratch another option off the Knicks' wish list....

Had this story in today's Newsday that says the Knicks have ordered Eddy Curry to come to Las Vegas to practice with the summer league team on Sunday. According to Jerry Powell, one of the trainers that was hired to get Curry back in shape this offseason, Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni want to see how Curry is doing with the program.

Powell said it was clear to him that Curry's "confidence has been damaged," but noted a serious lack of responsibility as the cause of his downfall.

"He's going to be better because he's putting the work in ... There were summers he did nothing," said Powell, who is from Lindenhurst and has built a career out of basketball training, with NBA players such as Knicks forward Al Harrington, Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, Nuggets guard J.R. Smith and Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric, among other college and high school players, on his client list.

Check out the story for more details.

* * *

Last night we heard conflicting reports from sources and other reporters about the Grant Hill situation. One person said it sounded like Hill was close to taking the Knicks' offer and had several reasons why New York was a good fit (starting role, connection with Mike D'Antoni and his wife loved the idea of living in New York). And that seems to parallel what Bill Rhoden wrote today in the Times.

But then you read well-connected Paul Coro in today's Arizona Republic and that concern we've mentioned here before about free agents using the Knicks to get the deals they want with their "home team" return.

But Hill may sign today with the Knicks, I was told.

Jordan Hill, that is.

* * *

The Daily News already moved on to the next possible free agent target, Andre Miller. The 33-year-old veteran initially thought he could get a big money deal in Portland, and the playoff contending Blazers could remain an option. Miller would have to take less from the Knicks, who, as far as I've been told, have not yet reached out to him.

* * *

I'm leaving for Vegas later today, Fixers. I'll blog from Vegas -- the first Knick game is Tuesday (MSG will televise all games live and replay them in the evening, as well) -- and, as always, you can follow me on twitter for more frequent, up-to-the-minute thoughts, rumors and observations.

AP Photo

This is going to be a topic of conversation for another 365 days so let's get the facts straight here and use this as a foundation of all future discussions involving the Knicks salary cap situation for next summer.

[Bloghost note: A lot of these numbers are ballpark and I'm re-checking all aspects of the CBA to make sure we're excruciatingly accurate. I'll make corrections as they are discovered, so bear with me Already made a few tweaks that improves the picture a little].

The current contracts on the payroll for 2010-11:
Eddy Curry $11.2M
Jared Jeffries $6.8M
Danilo Gallinari $3.3M
Wilson Chandler $2.1M
Jordan Hill $2.2M
Toney Douglas $892,500K
Total: $26.4M

With only six players under contract, and no first round pick (Utah has the rights to it) that leaves five "cap hold" slots (one left empty for the player you're trying to sign) at $473,604 each and brings the total to $28.7M. Now, keep in mind, that is just in the current condition as we blog today. If the Knicks add any players -- such as Grant Hill, or sign David Lee to an extension -- the numbers obviously change. But we're working off the current state of the payroll right now. We'll use this as our base as the situation changes.

Also keep in mind that the Knicks would have to renounce the Bird Rights rights to the unrestricted free agents who expire after this coming season (Chris Duhon, Al Harrington, Darko Milicic, etc.) to clear their cap hold from the cap. I Lee and Robinson take their QOs this season and the Knicks retain ther Bird Rights, their "holds" would be ($8.7M for Nate, $8.1M for Lee - the CBA calls for three times the players previous salary if it is less than the league average). That's a big chunk, unless their rights are renounced, as well.

Now, if the early prognostications are accurate, the NBA salary cap could be as low as $50M in 2010-11. Let's use that as our doomsday formula here. Keep in mind the projections could be wrong and the cap number could be higher, which would change everything. But if we believe the doomsday prophecies, that would leave -- not counting Lee, Robinson or any other UFA's holds and Bird Rights -- just $21.3M in cap space for the Knicks to spend in free agency in the big summer of 2010. If you add just Lee, we're talking significantly less money to spend in free agency under the cap. Perhaps not even enough to offer a max contract to LeBron James.

Sounds devastating, I know. Before the economic downfall, the Knicks' original plan was to clear enough space to land TWO high-end free agents in 2010. But in the current state, and without retaining the rights to Lee, they may only have enough space to get one big time free agent and possibly add lesser-scale FA in the $6M range.

OK, then consider this:

The CBA gives power to the "home" team for free agents. They have the ability to sign their own player to a maximum of six years with 10.5 percent raises each year. All other teams can only go five years at length and 8 percent.

In LeBron's case -- and that of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johson, Amare Stoudemire, et al -- the plummeting NBA salary cap could actually result in taking a loss in the first season. Consider that LeBron's option year of 2010-11 pays him $17.1M. If he opts out and the cap drops to $50M, the max LeBron would make in 2010-11, the first year of any new deal with any team, including Cleveland, is $15M.

The Cavs can go six years at 10.5 percent raises, which would make their maximum deal total about $116.5M, with an average of roughly $19.4M per.

A team such as the Knicks can only do five years, with 8 percent raises, which would make their maximum offer total about $88M, and an average of $17.6M per. Now the Knicks could be creative and perhaps give LeBron an opt-out after the third year (2013), when he will be 28 years old and still very much in his prime. The NBA has to certainly hope they have, by then, to have a new CBA in place and, God willing, the economy could be in a recovery, which would send the salary cap limits upward. The Knicks would have James' Bird Rights and then could open the Cablevision vault.

Those are big ifs, of course.

But there are big ifs in Cleveland, too. Such as, how long can Dan Gilbert sustain such a high payroll while getting middle-market revenue? Can Danny Ferry continue to build a high-caliber team around James while also paying him a max salary? Will high-end free agents want to go to Cleveland to play second-fiddle in salary and in touches?

With New Yok comes so many other variables and other potential sweeteners, such as the impact that choosing New York would have on the new deal LeBron inks with Nike, which, coincidentally, also expires in 2010. If LeBron goes to New York, there's little doubt his marketing value skyrockets to even greater heights than it has already. Nike has never had a basketball megastar in New York. They already have Kobe Bryant in L.A.

OK, here goes the cold water again.

If LeBron signs an extension this summer (July 18th is the date he can) with the Cavs, with the salary cap set at $57.7M, by the max contract formula (30 percent) he would get $17.3M in the first year (slightly more than the option year on the current deal) and the total package to stay in Cleveland would bring him a six-year deal worth about $134.9M, with $22.4M per annum.

Biiiiiig difference.

So is it worth it to him to potentially leave $2.1M on the table to step into free agency one year before his deal officially expires? Or, considering the economic climate, does LeBron go for the money up front and perhaps work in an early termintion option midway through the deal to give himself some flexibility?

This is something all of the opt-out FAs in 2010 will need to consider. And it could result in the Knicks' rebuilding plan taking a little more time than originally thought. Of course the Knicks could always change the course and pursue high-end players via trades and sign-and-trade deals next summer. While every team in the NBA will feel the hit caused by the economy, the Knicks are one of the few teams that will maintain the resources to carry big contracts and willingly pay out luxury tax.

OK, Fixers, so there you have it. The situation in a nutshell, from as best as I can explain it after research, number crunching and some guidance from CBA expert Larry Coon. (Please feel free to correct any arithmatic or factual errors that might have slipped by me here at 1:35 am.)

Again, this situation is expected to change over the course of the next 11 months. The Knicks could find a way to move the Curry or Jeffries contracts for expiring deals to clear more cap space in 2010, but, as we detailed above, the limitations on what they can offer LeBron as compared to the Cavs this summer make his decision in 2009 very curious.

If LeBron chooses not to sign an extension this summer to give up free agency in 2010, it's an obvious sign that his decision is clearly not about salary.

Don't expect the Knicks to have any more red-carpet recruiting visits this summer. After Grant GHill, expect the rest of the offseason will mainly involve trade talks and leftovers. Improving the roster was clearly the effort in talking to Hill and Jason Kidd, but cap limitations and the 2010 Plan will restrict the Knicks from doing anything dramatic.

Remember, Fixers, it's still slow and steady here.

And though we were told the Knicks did not make a formal offer to Grant Hill, but simply discussed parameters, Hill's camp seemed to make sure those "parameters" were publicized in Phoenix, so the Suns could see what they were up against. According to the Arizona Republic, the Knicks put two proposals on the table for Hill to consider: a one-year windfall for $5M (just under the $5.8M mid-level exception) or a three-year committment for a total of $10M (about $3.3M per).

The Republic says the Suns were also planning to use some of its mid-level to re-sign Hill and that the 36-year-old veteran was likely choosing between the two. Or perhaps, like with Kidd, Hill would prefer to stay in Phoenix but had the Knicks' interest in his back pocket to make sure the Suns ante'd up.

Considering the doomsday prophecies with the anticipated salary cap situation in 2010-11, perhaps it's best the Knicks not have to make a three-year committment to Hill, who would eat up $3.3M on the 2010 payroll. Then again, any signings that Walsh makes this summer will have to motivate him to move Eddy Curry and/or Jared Jeffries to clear their much larger numbers off the 2010 ledger.

* * *

* - Word out of Toronto is that the Raptors are offering Shawn Marion around the league in search of a sign-and-trade. The Mavericks appear to be interested and, of course, you'd have to wonder if Mike D'Antoni would want to be reunited with The Matrix in New York. So far, haven't heard anything concrete, but I did hear that Marion turned down a four-year, $36M offer from the Raps. Hey, $9M per is very reasonable for Marion, who has proven to be a "system guy" since he left D'Antoni's game in Phoenix.

The Knicks would have to dump Curry's contract to even consider adding Marion at that number.

The same goes for Rip Hamilton, who could be headed out of Detroit now that Ben Gordon is signed. But Hamilton just signed a hefty contract extension ($12M per) and to bring in a player like him would take getting rid of contracts to, yes, buffer the cap hit.

* - Another name that appears to keep popping up in my twitter @s and email inbox is Allen Iverson. After a few inquiries I was told there was little interest in bringing AI to New York.

* - Don't see much happening this summer regarding Tracy McGrady and the Knicks. As one NBA executive said to me recently about the Knicks: "There just isn't much interest in their players."

That includes Nate Robinson, who, despite wide popularity among fans and players and a dynamic, change-of-pace ability, has receieved minimal interest as a restricted free agent. Obviously all teams expect the Knicks to match any offers, which doesn't help either Robinson (or David Lee).

The Knicks could bring him back for the very inexpensive one-year qualifying offer of $2.9M. Most around the league believe the QO is right about in the market value range for the 5-9 combo guard. I believe the preference would be to move Robinson -- just not a good fit and they really want to make room for rookie Toney Douglas -- and if he takes the QO, the Knicks would have to wait 90 days if they still wanted to trade him and Robinson would have to approve of the trade.

* - Lee may be unwittingly pricing himself out of possible offers, as as Ho-Beck reported today, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, is apparently setting a high asking price ($12M per, sez Beck).

The Worldwide Leader recently offered up some past market comparables to Lee (players who entered free agency after a double-double average the previous season). The ESPN list included RFAs such as Emeka Okafor (6x72M with CHA); Carlos Boozer (6x68M with UTA); Elton Brand (6x82.2M with LAC) and UFAs such as Erick Dampier 7x73M with DAL; Tim Duncan (4x45.9M with SAS); Dikembe Mutombo (4x$65M with PHI); Chris Webber (7x122.7M with SAC) and Jermaine O'Neal (7x$126.6M with IND).

Now, let's review. These deals involve two elements in hindsight: players who already were all-star, elite-level players (Duncan, Webber, Mutombo and Brand) or contracts that proved to be awful deals (Okafor, O'Neal and Dampier). And everyone who owns a house knows that market value is never what it was three-to-five years ago. Consider this summer a correction.

What is hurting Lee -- and Robinson -- is that while their statistics were terrific last season, the one stat that teams are starting to focus on more and more is the Win-Loss factor. And over the course of their four seasons in New York, both Lee and Robinson have only experienced losing. Now, it's not fair to say they are solely to blame -- they entered a team already in major trouble -- but both emerged into key roles last season and neither proved they could make the difference between winning and losing on their own. By this theory, that would make them excellent role players, but not top shelf entities that command near the max.

But you can't blame Bartelstein for trying here, because if Lee wants to get paid he'll need an offer sheet to make it happen. The best case scenario for the Knicks is that no one steps forward with an offer sheet. Without one, as we've been saying here throughout the past season, the Knicks are basically negotiating against themselves. Perhaps if there was no 2010 awaiting, the Knicks would lock-up Lee for a long-term deal. But with cap space so critical next summer, the obvious best business decision for the Knicks is to force Lee into taking his QO ($2.7M) and holding his Bird Rights in unrestricted free agency next summer, where they can then sign him to a much larger deal.

Sign-and-trades? As we've been telling you here for months, the Knicks would need to be blown away. Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake ain't getting it done (and, according to sources I have talked to has never been offered).

From the NBA:

NBA SALARY CAP FOR 2009-10 SEASON SET AT $57.7 MILLION

NEW YORK, July 7, 2009 – The National Basketball Association today
announced that the Salary Cap for the 2009-10 season will be $57.7 million.
The tax level for the 2009-10 season has been set at $69.92 million. Any
team whose team salary exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by
which it exceeds $69.92 million.

The 2008-09 Salary Cap was $58.68 million and the tax level was $71.15
million. Although league-wide revenue increased 2.5% this past season, the
decrease in the Salary Cap and tax level for the 2009-10 season is the
result of the formula used to set the Cap and tax under the terms of the
collective bargaining agreement.

The new Salary Cap and tax level go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on
Wednesday, July 8, when the league’s “moratorium period” ends and teams can
begin signing free agents and making trades.

The mid-level exception is $5.854 million for the 2009-10 season and the
minimum team salary, which is set at 75% of the Salary Cap, is $43.275
million.

The WWL now denies its own story with sources:

LeBron James did not tell Trevor Ariza he would stay in Cleveland past 2010, according to sources close to the Cavaliers' superstar -- contradicting what a person close to Ariza said Monday night.

That source said that James told Ariza he planned to remain with the Cavaliers past next summer, when he can become a free agent. James could not be reached for comment Monday night, but on Tuesday, sources who spoke to James said the story told by the person close to Ariza was wrong.

Just like me/They long to be/(a source) Close to you.....

Chris Broussard is a good reporter with a level headed approach to his coverage, and perhaps jumped the gun on a big story before checking with the other side. But let's consider the other side of this affair: LeBron didn't want it out that he likely will stay in Cleveland.

It proves, if anything, he will be a free agent in 2010 and the Knicks will have a shot at him. Whether he stays or not, LeBron clearly wants to enjoy the recruiting process.

So, as far as Mission 2010 goes, it's still game on.

* * *

A few thoughts on Grant Hill, who spent a lot more time with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni yesterday than Jason Kidd did last Wednesday. Hill said he was "serious" about his interest in the Knicks and proved it by not just making a stop at MSG for a few hours -- which was the extend of Kidd's visit -- Hill also took a ride up to the Training Center in Greenburgh and then met Walsh and D'Antoni for dinner.

Hill, who will be 37 when the season opens in October, played for D’Antoni in Phoenix during the 2007-08 season. D’Antoni views Hill as one of those versatile swingmen-type players he so covets for his system; a high-IQ point-forward who can defend guards and small forwards. Ankle issues hampered a career that seemed headed for Hall of Fame status in his early years, but while he has lost some explosiveness, Hill has proven in recent seasons to be, at least, durable. Last season with the Suns he played the entire 82-game schedule for the first time in his career and averaged 12 points per game and shot 52.3 percent from the field in 29.8 minutes per game.

Age and wear-and-tear were a concern with Kidd, too. But the Knicks are looking for credibility and leadership at this point of the rebuilding process.

“Yes, he’s going to be 37 and you don’t know when he’s going to hit the wall, but he hasn’t hit the wall yet,” D’Antoni said. “If he was 25, we couldn’t get him anyway.”

As we said in the print editon story today, D'Antoni sees Hill as a fit at the two-guard spot, which, in D'Antoni's system, is really like a "wing" position. So you'd have Hill with Danilo Gallinari and also Wilson Chandler in the mix in some combinations. A lot of versatility there.

What do you do with Al Harrington is a question, of course. He played some three but really is more of a four in D'Antoni's system. Then there's David Lee, of course, who would be the starting four if he is re-signed (which I believe will be the result).

And we can't forget about Jordan Hill, who is a power forward in name, but could wind up playing more five than anything. At this point, however, he would be behind Eddy Curry and Darko Milicic on the depth chart....until we see what he can do against them in training camp.

One thing D'Antoni proved in his first season, he will play the guys he wants to play and who he believes fits best. So contract and veteran status should not overrule . . .

. . . unless, of course, you need to showcase someone for a trade. (wink)

* * *

As expected, Mike Bibby re-signed in Atlanta. We had heard Bibby's intention was to remain with the Hawks and were told he was never really on the Knicks' radar.

Photo by J. Conrad Williams Jr., Newsday

AP Photo

By now most of the early risers have see this one from the Worldwide Leader:

In a last-ditch effort to recruit Trevor Ariza away from the Houston Rockets, LeBron James told Ariza he would remain with the Cavaliers past 2010, according to a person close to Ariza.

"Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season," the source said. "And LeBron said, 'I'll be there. Of course, I'll be there.'"

It's got Cleveland pretty excited, but Ariza didn't think enough of it to take the Cavs offer of the MLE over the Rockets. Ariza apparently didn't fully believe LeBron. At least not enough to back out of an agreement with Houston.

When James told Ariza he'd be a Cavalier past next season, Ariza was less than convinced.

"He thought it was just a recruiting tool," the source said. "LeBron definitely said it, but until he signs the contract it doesn't mean much."

See how the game can come back to beat you?

The Cavs are trying to upgrade the roster for LeBron but the best they could do so far was add a slow Shaq, who will push the even slower Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the bench and clog up the middle of the floor, where LeBron likes to do most of his driving. This team really needs to get more athletic, which is why they were so interested in Ariza.

But you can understand why any free agent would be apprehensive to commit to the Cavs right now. There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding LeBron's future.

Of course James can erase all of that. He can sign an extention beginning tomorrow, if he wants.

Then again, most of the really good free agents are already gone.

Don't wanna play the field 'cause I get lovin' at home base
Don't gimme no long face just exit with a grace
You and I are the past; c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl 'cause I'm on with the next girl....

So Dwyane Wade comes out and boldly says he'll only re-sign with the Heat if they are championship contenders. Playoffs are not enough.

And there are the Knicks, waiting with fists of dollars, in case the Heat don't take him seriously.

It's right out of the LeBron playbook, no?

Perhaps this is cynnical. But there is a perspective to take here about some of these guys headed to free agency in 2010. Grab your franchise by the throat, demand they lavish you with riches as a great supporting cast and point to the Knicks as the hot chick in the corner batting her eyes at you.

Let's see how Miami reacts. Desperate signing of Allen Iverson (yeah, that'll work...A.I. needs the ball and D-Wade owns it. Coach Erik Spoelstra, it's Dr. Phil on Line 1).

We already saw how Dallas reacted when Jason Kidd went out on a date with New York. Mark Cuban jumped in a plane and begged for another chance. Kidd got the term and financial commitments he wanted and New York was left alone at the bar. No night cap.

Grant Hill is here now, too. Is he doing the same? Boston is already on bended knee, offering the chance for a ring. But they can't cough up more than the bi-annual. Perhaps Grant wants more than one year. Of course New York now can dip into their mid-level for him.

Ohh, New York. So good to these fellas.

And as we go on, D-Wade and LeBron will continue to flirt. Continue to let New York linger in their out-loud thinking. They talk of a possible three-way, even.

And there New York giggles and purrs as she waits patiently in that dark corner of the club.

(Yeah, I said it.)

* * *

On the David Lee front, he was out my way over the weekend enjoying life as a famous New Yorker. I'm sure Portland has cool places to hang out, too, but David was made to be a New York pro athlete.

Not many offer-sheet options left for David. The Blazers know the Knicks will match anything reasonable and they also know it's not reasonable to pay $9M to $10M for Lee when they already have an all-star caliber power forward in LaMarcus Aldridge. Now, they could move LA to the three-spot, but remember, the Knicks will have money in 2010 and revenge could be taken with Brandon Roy.

Portland's best scenario is a S&T. Let's begin the conversation with Rudy Fernandez . . .

Cleveland should be the best fit, though I don't believe they have inquired. Lee is an upgrade over Anderson Varejao IMHO and his ability to rebound and outlet would benefit that team greatly now that it has slowed down even more with the addition of Shaq. But the Cavs would have to sign-and-trade and the Knicks really aren't interested in anyone on that roster . . .

. . . aside from, of course . . .

We will maintain that Lee remains in New York. Where he belongs. At a fair price.

Easy for us to say, but the gameplan should be to take a one-year and go UFA next summer, when everyone will have cap space and the Knicks would have your Bird Rights.

The situations involving Lee and Nate Robinson will heat up once we get beyond the moratorium, which is lifted Wednesday.

Getty Images Photo

AP Photo

So the Knicks top free agent target decided to stay with his current team. It's a tough, but somewhat expected defeat for the Knicks.

But this'd hurt more if it were next summer.

The Knicks really aren't players in free agency this year, not with a skeleton roster and just the mid-level exception to offer. Jason Kidd said he wanted to take the weekend to decide between staying in Dallas for three years and $24M or coming to New York for $6M less. A source told me he spent Sunday in Dallas with Mark Cuban, which left little doubt which way Kidd was leaning, as if there really ever was any doubt to begin with.

In case anyone needed confirmation, you can read it here from the Worldwide Leader.

With this knowledge, on top of the fact that Grant Hill spent his Sunday with someone else as well (Celtics coach Doc Rivers was in Orlando wooing him to come to Boston), the options are dwindling fast. Hill is scheduled to come in Monday to meet with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni, but at this point is it more than just a mere courtesy?

Lessee...step into a rebuilding situation at 36, or take the chance to play a role for a championship-caliber team?

So let's roll on down the line here at the next options:

* - Andre Miller? Seriously, not for the mid-level.

* - Ramon Sessions? Milwaukee made the moves they needed to make to ensure they could handle matching the Knicks' offer, if not going higher, for the dynamic young guard. And not sure the Knicks want to commit that long-term for a somewhat unproven guard.

* - Mike Bibby? Word is he prefers to remain in Atlanta. The Knicks haven't reached out yet...but likely will check it out. For Bibby, we're talking short-term offer. Unlike Kidd, he doesn't make you that much better on and, more importantly, off the court, where you can surrender cap space in 2010.

All eyes now fall back on Steve Nash, perhaps the last hope for 2009-10....But is Nash just keeping the Knicks in his conversations for the same reasons Kidd came for his visit? Make the home team sweat out a few more millions and make you feel wanted, nake sure they aren't dismantling the team, because if you're going to be part of a rebuild, it would be more fun to do it in New York.

As for other alternatives, Fixers, there is always Chris Duhon and the belief he can give you more of what you saw in the first half last season and not lose so much steam in the second half. You can't discount his first-half performance because of how quickly he faded in the second half after carrying such a heavy load of minutes. Is it enough to get you to the playoffs? Likely not. But, really, this team is still a long way from contending for anything in the East.

The mid-level just may not yield what you need, but it can be used -- at least a bit of it -- to fill some gaps in the meantime as you continue to build. Carlos Delfino may become an unrestricted free agent if the Raptors renouce his rights (as a result of the Turkoglu signing). Delfino can fill need at the 2-spot.

Also, once the signing moratorium ends on Wednesday, Nate Robinson may be used as a sign-and-trade chip. Probably doesn't yield you a starter, though, and, quite frankly, I'm sure it's hard right now to be excited about moving Jared Jeffries' $6.8M off the ledger in 2010.

It just may be that the Knicks' biggest signing of the offseason will be David Lee.

The rumors are fun. The speculation and armchair-GMing and variations can be exciting.

But this is reality, Fixers. At least for one more year.

Just bloggin.

Suddenly got quiet on the Knick front. The team doesn't expect to know of Jason Kidd's decision until after the holiday weekend. The deals are there to mull -- 3x$24M from DAL and 3x$18M from the Knicks -- and Kidd has to decide whether it's about the loot or the location.

It is unclear if the Dallas deal has the third year guaranteed. The Knicks, from what I'm told, most certainly is. The third year isn't the issue for Donnie Walsh, it's the second year (2010-11). But if Kidd accepts, then you can be sure the next step will be to find a way to move Jared Jeffries' $6.8M salary off the 2010-11 payroll.

A quick note here: the Knicks don't want to move Jeffries. In fact, the coaching staff is very high on him as a player and a person.

If Kidd doesn't take the New York challenge, don't immediately think Ramon Sessions is the next target. Sure, the Knicks would love to have him, but they haven't been in touch with his agent yet. Why? Because the Bucks have made it crystal clear with their moves that they plan to match any offer for Sessions. It is likely a futile exercise.

Andre Miller and Mike Bibby would get calls, but let's be honest, if the Kidd scenario falls through it might be better to stick with Chris Duhon for the season with Toney Douglas as the third guard and see what happens with Steve Nash next summer. Nash, who has a $13M team option the Suns will pick up in August ($8M of it is guaranteed, according to the Arizona Republic, so you know they're picking it up), won't sign an extension if he's not happy with the direction of the franchise.

Like Kidd, Nash may be just using the Knicks as leverage. But if you're the Knicks, you stay in the game just in case. Nash just keeps talking about the Knicks and basically said to the Globe & Mail that if it's time to move on from Phoenix, the Knicks are his first choice:

But the Victoria, B.C. native, who is heading into the final year of a contract that will pay him $13.1 million U.S. in 2009-10, acknowledged that if the sides can’t reach a consensus, “than a trade would always be a possibility.” And if that’s the case, the point guard said he would like to play in New York, where his family spends its summers.

“I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that’s what I’m focusing on right now,” Nash said. “But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D’Antoni was one of my favourite coaches. If it didn’t work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I’d consider.”

* * *

As for the restricteds...still haven't heard that the Knicks have made any formal offers to either. Parameters have been discussed but right now the agents for both players are playing the market. Remember, any offer sheets can be matched by the Knicks.

The report from Toronto about the Raptors having an interest in acquiring David Lee is accurate, but moot. I checked in with Toronto and was told Chris Bosh would not be part of any trade conversations and the reply I got from the Knicks end was that there wasn't much interest in any other player on that roster to even begin discussing a deal for Lee.

I'll maintain belief that David remains a Knick. My guess? 5x$40M, with an opt-out after the third year. If the Knicks get him for less it's a bargain.

Now that the Lakers have Ron Artest -- the Lamar Odom thing still has to be addressed -- is it time for Mitch Kupchak to look into upgrading his backup guard position? Nate Robinson would be a good fit there for many reasons, starting with the fact that he would be a major upgrade over Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. Now . . . the issue is the Lakers don't have many options that fit the Knicks. Sasha Vujacic would work, but his contract extends into 2010-11. Would the Knicks take Adam Morrison's expiring deal? Nah.

Then again, those numbers might be too high for Robinson. A package of Farmar and Brown (about $3M), who both have expiring contracts, may be the better play. But then you are really log-jamming the backcourt with players. Remember, you still have Chris Duhon and also rookie Toney Douglas, on top of Morris Almond, who is likely to get a training camp invite.

But there is a belief that the Knicks will re-visit the Sacramento Kings scenario from the trade deadline. The Kings acquired Sergio Rodriguez from Portland before the draft so there could be something there with Robinson and Jeffries going to Sacto for, say, Rodriguez (RFA next summer) and Kenny Thomas' expiring contract in return. Just speculatin.

Enjoy the 4th. Be safe.

AP Photo

Alan Hahn talks Knicks, NBA free agency and the draft today in a live chat at 11 a.m.

A few thoughts on Jason Kidd from Mike D'Antoni (it's so rare when these guys can talk openly about other players):

On the notion that Kidd is starting to fade: "There'll always be that talk. I thought he had a great year this year. I though he played well. I think he was shooting better than he ever has. So there are a lot of parts of his game that are getting better . . . I think he's got another two or three years left in him at the highest level."

Really? Two to three more years? "At least. Stockton went until his was 40-something. Athletes today, there's a little bit of change and they can contribute in a lot of ways another four, five years. I don't think you ever know and at some point it's going to catch up with you, but he'll always be important for what he does with a team for a few more years to come, for sure."

Really-really? "I was always asked the same thing when we got Steve Nash at 32, does he have anything left? They have it left. They keep themselves in shape. Life has changed a little. And it's up here (points to his head). If you have it up here, you can go. He's still excited and hopefully a new challenge will help him to achieve more. Hopefully."

Donnie Walsh, do you agree with the 2-to-3 year projection? "Yeah. And he played very well this year, which is why Dallas wants to keep him."

Walsh paid Kidd the highest compliment when he said that Kidd "stands for everything that I'd like a basketball team to stand for . . . He has a way of bringing people together."

And yes, this first-day recruitment effort is a sign that the Knicks don't expect Steve Nash to be available to them in the near future. The Suns have until August to pick up his $13M team option. According to the Arizona Republic, the option is partially guaranteed for $8M, so there's absolutely zero chance the Suns don't pick it up. But does Nash agree to sign an extension?

Mark Cuban tried to keep Kidd off the market with a three-year committment, but, so far, Kidd hasn't accepted it. The Knicks have yet to make a formal offer to Kidd, but the parameters are pretty obvious (MLE) so really all that's left to discuss is the length. Will the Knicks commit to three guaranteed years?

The above quotes suggest they would.

* * *

Certainly seems the Memphis Grizzlies are out of any potential bidding for David Lee, if the Quentin Richardson-for-Zach Randolph deal gets done. The Trail Blazers seem to be committing their attention to Hedo Turkoglu and Andre Miller. Detroit appears to be locked in on Charlie Villanueva. Oklahoma City is still an option, of course, but Paul Millsap is out there as well.

Look, David was the NBA's second-leading rebounder and led the league in double-doubles. He's an underrated passer with a very high basketball IQ and an improving offensive game. So let's not try to devalue him here. We've discussed this scenario here before, but David could consider taking a one-year deal and going into unrestricted free agency in 2010, when more teams will have cap space and, of course, the Knicks would have his Bird Rights.

* * *

Remember, live chat tomorrow at 11 a.m.

If anything, today was a dry run for next summer, when it'll count. But the Knicks rolled out the Madison Square Garden red carpet for Jason Kidd, who was shown the amazing exhibit for the Garden renovation, presented a Knicks jersey with No. 5 and his name on the back and, of course, the Garden court, GardenVision with videos and his name echoing throughout the World's Most Famous.

It's been a while since the Knicks have made this kind of effort to recruit a free agent. And it sounds like they'll be doing it again with Grant Hill. According to a source, Hill is expected to make a visit to meet the Knicks next week.

These are obviously players in the twilight years of their careers -- Hill more than Kidd -- but at this point the Knicks know they aren't going to lure any of the prime players with the MLE. So the plan is to use the few assets they have to bring in quality, leadership and experience.

This is one way to set the table.

Yes, Cuban met with Kidd just after midnight. But Kidd still showed up to meet the Knicks at 10 a.m. this morning, which means there still isn't a deal with the Mavs, who can offer Kidd more money than anyone else can. As we've reported several times here (and in the print edition), the Mavs have already approached Kidd with a three-year deal worth $24M. Kidd didn't take it.

Is he using the New York angle to get Cuban to sweat out a few more mil? Or does Kidd figure he'll make up the difference in the MLE average by playing in New York?

If this truly isn't about the money, the Knicks believe they have a good chance to land him.

* * *

* - On the David Lee front: Walsh said he was in touch with Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, earlier this morning to begin negotiations. Lee has been in Indonesia for an NBA-sponsored function and is expected to be back in the U.S. this weekend.

There have been some unconfirmed rumors about Memphis preparing a big offer for Lee, but from what I understand the Grizzlies are under the usual budget constraints and, therefore, likely are not in the position to shovel $8M to $10M at David Lee. Again, we keep hearing OKC is targeting Paul Millsap. And Charlie Villanueva seems to be the target in Detroit. David's options, at least on the open market, may be dwindling.

But his best option has been and remains the Knicks, who will likely be willing to pay him up to $8M per.

* - So far Walsh hasn't been in touch with Andre Miller's representation, but that really may be a waste of time. Miller, 33, is out of their price range with the MLE. Portland has a strong interest and they're clearly going hard after Hedo Turkoglu as well.

* - Not to be overlooked is the summer league roster, which was released today. On it includes the usual suspects, Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas, and Patrick Ewing Jr., as we reported yesterday, and Alex Acker, another player we reported to be in the mix. No one beats us on summer league roster scoops, baby. (sigh)

Among the names on the roster is another intriguing player: Morris Almond. The 6-6 sharpshooter from Rice was on the Knicks radar in the 2007 draft, but Isiah Thomas went with Wilson Chandler. Almond was selected by the Jazz with the 25th overall pick and then struggled to break into Jerry Sloan's rotation. He did put up big numbers in the D-League and will get a long look in Vegas. I expect to see him in Saratoga for training camp.

* - Programming note: We'll do a LIVE CHAT here tomorrow at 11 a.m. to talk free agency and everything else. Be sure to join in and try to break last week's Newsday.com record. We had over 1,400 people following the chat.

Free agent Jason Kidd was at Madison Square Garden Wednesday morning for a two-hour meeting with Knicks president Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D'Antoni.

The 36-year-old point guard, who reportedly met with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban here in New York right after the free-agency period officially began at midnight, kept his scheduled meeting with the Knicks, which began at 10 a.m.

Kidd was seen walking with his agent Jeff Schwartz, Walsh and D'Antoni through the Garden lobby. Kidd waved but declined to comment.

The Knicks might agree to give up some of the valuable LeBron James cap space for 2010 to guarantee a three-year deal, which would be the maximum length contract they can offer.

The Mavericks, who had Kidd's rights up until midnight, have the ability to give him a maximum deal. And with very few options at point guard without him, a desperate Cuban announced via his Twitter account that he was flying to New York "for free agent meeting at 12:01."

Kidd, according to a source, has already turned down one offer from the Mavericks that went well beyond the midlevel at $8 million per over three years, though it is not clear if the third year was guaranteed.

The Knicks, however are very aware that Kidd's heart is in the New York area, where he still keeps an offseason home to be close to his three children.

Meanwhile, Walsh also has reached out to the representatives for restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson and planned to begin negotiations with both later Wednesday. Lee is in Indonesia for an NBA event.

I'm rolling out the 80s metal lately...

Mark Cuban flew into New York to catch Jason Kidd just after midnight, when the free agency period begins. His intention is to make his case with Kidd before the nine-time all-star meets with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni about taking a discount to join the Knicks.

Cuban may already know Kidd isn't that interested in returning to Dallas, where Rick Carlisle's control-oriented halfcourt sets aren't nearly as fun as D'Antoni's spread offense. But Cuban gave up Devin Harris to the Nets for Kidd a little over a year ago. If Kidd doesn't want to be a Mav, Cuban at least has to try to get him to accept a sign-and-trade scenario rather than to outright leave them in the dust.

The Knicks are very serious about this and, I'm told, so is Kidd, whose three children live in the New York area. Sure, his game is on a swift decline (As one NBA executive said, "He's on fumes.") but the Knicks need him for more than his incredible court vision and ability to run an offense. They need credibility.

Consider it like when the Mets targeted Pedro Martinez in 2005.

Just bloggin.

* * *

Try to avoid getting too caught up in the speculation involving David Lee. Yes, the Carlos Boozer situation does change the game some because the Pistons had him on their list and perhaps will now set their sights on Lee.

But keep in mind Paul Millsap, as a result of Boozer's decision to stay for one more year in Utah, may shake free and be another alternative for the Pistons. As for the notion that the Grizzlies and Thunder could blow the Knicks away with the offer, consider two things: 1. do you really expect these teams to throw $10M per at David Lee? 2. do you really expect Lee to leave the New York market for Memphis or Oklahoma City?

One thing is agent, Mark Bartelstein, said to me was that David "wants to be part of a winning situation."

Expect the Knicks to not give up so easily on him. Teams can make offers starting at midnight, but offer sheets can not be signed until July 8. The Knicks would then have seven days to match. Of the teams with cap space to sign Lee, you can see the Trail Blazers preferring a sign-and-trade scenario to protect their cap situation for next summer, when Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge will be restricted free agents. If the Blazers offer-sheet Lee at a high number, you know the Knicks, with tons of cap space, could always return the favor in 2010.

* * *

Another thing you can expect is for the Knicks to keep in touch with the Rockets about the Tracy McGrady situation, especially if the reports about Yao Ming are accurate to the point that his ankle injury could cause him to miss extended time. Would Rockets GM Daryl Morey consider Eddy Curry in a deal for McGrady? I'm told that would be a conversation starter. Perhaps Curry ($10.5M) and Cuttino Mobely ($9M, 80 percent insured) would be worthwhile for the Rockets.

For the Knicks, this scenario for McGrady ($23M expiring) would be a win-win mainly because you can move Curry's money off the 2010 ledger (and maybe result in Lee's contract having less of an impact) and though you'd likely have to wait a month into the season for him (shoulder and knee), he could show up determined to earn another big contract.