Knicks Claim Jeremy Lin, Considering Other Free Agents

The Knicks have claimed Jeremy Lin off waivers. He will provide depth at the guard position and fill in for Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, and Iman Shumpert, who are currently injured.

Lin, 23, played with the Golden State Warriors last season. In 29 games, he put up averages of 2.6 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds in only 10 minutes a game. Lin's contract is non-guarunteed.

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Lin is probably not a permanent option for the Knicks this season and the Knicks are looking into some other free agents. Here is the rundown:

Gilbert Arenas
I think that Agent Zero would be a good fit and and would be worth the risk if the Knicks signed him. For more, read this.

Wilson Chandler
There has been talk of former-Knick Wilson Chandler possibly rejoining the team, but I don't see it happening and here's why:
-He is not available to sign until March 2012 and even then the Nuggets have the right to match whatever the Knicks offer and New York doesn't have the cap space to outbid Denver.
-Also, as much as Chandler says he wants to rejoin New York, he probably also wants money and can probably be wooed by a big contract offer from a team with a lot more cap space.

Kenyon Martin
K-Mart wouldn't be able to join the Knicks until March 2012 like Chandler, but could be worth the wait. He would serve as a solid back-up to Amar'e Stoudemire and could be the a key player in a possible title run this season.

James Posey
There was talk a while back of Posey signing with the Knicks, but Mike D'Antoni dissmissed the rumors and the Knicks don't really need him. They need a guard becuase of injuries and also, Posey just isn't as talented as the other players the Knicks could sign.

J.R. Smith
There hasn't been any talk of him signing with the Knicks when he will be available in March 2012, but he could help the Knicks at the shooting guard position. Landry Fields is still struggling and Iman Shumpert needs time to develop. That being said, Smith hasn't publicly expressed any interest in signing with New York and will probably be offered more money somewhere else.

Personally, I think the Knicks should trade Bill Walker, Steve Novak, and/or Jared Jeffries to free up cap space. Then the Knicks could sign up to four of these guys. I think the Knicks should target Martin and Arenas. Chandler and Smith are far-fetched and Posey wouldn't help the team as much. The Knicks could just keep Lin, but unless he plays really well, I don't think they should.

Here is how the Knicks' lineup is looking as of right now:

PG: Toney Douglas - Jeremy Lin*, Baron Davis, Mike Bibby

SG: Landry Fields - Bill Walker, Iman Shunpert

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman, Steve Novak

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrellson, Jerome Jordan

* = Non-guarunteed contract
Red = Injured

UPDATE: I forgot to mention Nate Robinson, Earl Boykins, Marcus Banks, who the Knicks could also sign.

Have any thoughts on Jeremy Lin joining the team or what free agents you think the Knicks should target? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks Beat Celtics on Christmas, Start Season 1-0

Merry Christmas! Regardless on what presents you got today, the Knicks came through and beat the Celtics 106-104 at home to tip off the regular season.

I missed all of the first half because I was busy with money, gift cards, and other miscellaneous gifts. I tuned in halfway through the game.

The Knicks led 62-52 at halftime, but in the 3rd quarter, the Celtics started dominating on offense, defense, and on the boards. At the end of the quarter, the Knicks were outscored 35-17, and were down 8.

The Knicks came back in the 4th and Carmelo Anthony made a pair of free throws to put the team up by 2 with less than a minute left. Kevin Garnett shot an awkward-looking mid-range jumper with with only seconds left in the game, but was defended well by Bill Walker and it missed. The Knicks won 106-104, but it was a nail-biter.

Melo was definitely the player of the game for the Knicks today. He finished with 37 points on 10-17 field goals to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

Amar'e Stoudemire was also a big help with 21 points on 8-11 field goals and 6 rebounds. Tyson Chandler and Toney Douglas did their parts (Douglas had 19 points and 4 assists, Chandler had 7 points and 6 blocks. Landry Fields, Iman Shumpert, and Bill Walker struggled offensively and combined for only 18 points on 6-21 field goals.

Rajon Rondo had 31 points and 13 assists in the losing effort to the Knicks.

Overall, I'm happy with the win, but the Knicks need to improve on their offensive and defensive strategies. On offensive, they sometimes seemed unsure on what they wanted to do and let in the Celts walk all over them on defense in the 3rd. Melo stepped up and led the Knicks to victory while STAT helped out a lot. Toney Douglas and Tyson Chandler also utilized themselves well. Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert both had rough games and I thought that Bill Walker was given too many minutes.

The Knicks are now 1-0 and are tied for first in the Eastern Conference.

(Photo Courtesy: Yahoo! Sports --- 'NBA: Boston at New York - Dec. 25, 2011 --- http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/games/2011122518/gallery/im:urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,getty:20050301:nba,photo,0e5e95b192762cf664cb05049888cf44-getty-136105724:1#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cap%3A20050301%3Anba%2Cphoto%2Cap-201112251429521434036%3A1

Have any thoughts on the Knicks winning on Christmas? Was Renaldo Balkman the real player of the game? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

UPDATE: Iman Shumpert, who injured himself in the game, will miss 2-4 weeks with a sprained knee.

2011-12 New York Knicks Season Preview

The Knicks have played their only 2 preseason games (both vs. the Nets) and won both of them. Based on those 2 games and some other factors, here is my season preview for the Knicks and how I think that each player will do this season.

#7 - Carmelo Anthony: I expect Melo to really emerge as the leader of the Knicks after playing only the last 27 games of the 2010-2011 season with New York. I can pretty much picture him doing what he's been doing since he came into the league in '03. 2012 Eastern Conference All-Star Starter? I think so.

#1 - Amar'e Stoudemire: What I'm hoping for STAT is that he will play just as good as he was last season. His back is a concern, but he will have a lesser workload in the paint now that Tyson Chandler is on the team. As long as he stays healthy, the Knicks will stay contenders.

#6 - Tyson Chandler: Chandler will be making lots of money this season, probably more than he deserves. That being said, an overpaid Chandler is better than an overpaid Ronny Turiaf and he will fill the Knicks' void at the center spot. If Chandler stays hungry and performs as well as he did last season with the Mavericks, the Knicks should have a successful season.

#2 - Landry Fields: Landry Fields is an "if" right now. He struggled last season after the Melo trade and the Knicks drafted Iman Shumpert in this year's draft. I hope that Fields can adjust, get out of the slump he's in, and contribute.

#85 - Baron Davis: Davis is injured right now, but has a lot of upsides. He took less money to come to New York and chose us over the Lakers and the Heat. When healthy, I will look for him to play like Chauncey Billups played for us last season. Davis is 32 years old and hasn't won a championship yet, so I expect him to step up and lead the team at the point.

#23 - Toney Douglas: Douglas will start at least as long as Baron Davis is injured, but if he plays well early in the season, he could very well start all 66 games. However, I expect him to be the team's 6th man and be a spark off the bench.

#21 - Iman Shumpert: Shumpert has shown flashes of greatness since being drafted by the Knicks in the first round of this year's draft. Because he's a rookie, I expect that consistency might be an issue, but he could be the Knicks' shooting guard for the future.

#55 - Josh Harrellson: I personally like Harrellson's game. He may not look like much, but he helps teams win (He helped Kentucky reach the Final Four earlier this year). He's a rookie, so I'm not sure how much playing time he'll get, but I'm sure he will always play hard and will gradually impress the coaching staff and the fans.

#20 - Mike Bibby: After losing in the Finals last season with the Heat and signing with the Knicks on the vertan's minimum, Bibby is already out with back spasms. He is 33 and obvoiusly wants a ring pretty bad, so I'll expect him to be make the most of his minutes and be a veteran leader (He is the oldest player on the team).

#32 - Renaldo Balkman: Balkman played better than expected in the Knicks' 2 preseason games and I doubt that he will perform that well all season, but if he can keep it up, he could be the x-factor for New York this season.

#9 - Jared Jeffries: I'm not a huge fan of Jeffries. He tries his best, but he doesn't seem to ever play very well. If he wants to help the team, he needs to play defense like he's known for and not do what he did at the end of Game 2 against the Celtics in the playoffs last season.

#5 - Bill Walker: Walker is starting off the season out with a strained left groin and I expect him have trouble making it into the rotation this season. He averaged 11.9 points in 27 games with the Knicks in the 09-10 season, but played less minutes last season.

#? - Steve Novak: Novak is known for his three-point shooting. If he can do that well, he will help the team.

#44 - Jerome Jordan: Jordan didn't see any preseason action, but could be a key reserve for the Knicks. That being said, New York already has Tyson Chander and Josh Harrellson, and if he isn't waived before the season opener, I expect him to be a bench warmer.

Chris Hunter and Devin Green were waived earlier today.

What will the Knicks' record be this season? My guess is 43-23, which might put them in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place in the Eastern Conference. As of right now, I can picture the Knicks losing to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in 6 games.

Also, there is speculation that the Knicks are interested in Kenyon Martin, who will be able to sign with an NBA team in March. Martin is a former All-Star who could help the Knicks win a title.

The Knicks play their first regular season game vs. the Celtics on Christmas.

Have any thoughts on this season's Knicks squad? Should the Knicks sign Kenyon Martin in March? Sad that Devin Green is gone? Will Tyson Chandler be worth the money? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks to Sign Steve Novak, Pursuing James Posey

I can imagine what you may be thinking right now: What?! But it looks like the Knicks will add forward Steve Novak to their roster.

Novak, 27, has played five seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Spurs. Throughout his career he's played with 4 different teams and has been in and out of the D-League.

I'm not sure I like this move. The Knicks are a contender and should focus their efforts on trying to sign better players. From what I've read, Novak is a good shooter, and that will help the team, but there are many better players that the Knicks could have signed instead of him.

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In other news, the Knicks are reportedly interesting in signing free agent journeyman James Posey.

I think that signing him would be a good move for the Knicks. Posey, 34, has won two NBA championships (with the Heat in 2006 and the Celtics in 2008). He struggled last season with the Pacers, but I think that he would turn the jets on if he was playing with a contender. Posey obviously knows how to win and would help the Knicks fill a void at the small forward position.

I also still think that the Knicks should sign Gilbert Arenas.

UPDATE (Dec. 20, 2011): When asked about James Posey, Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni said, "I don't think we're pursuing that right now."

Have any thoughts on Steve Novak signing with the Knicks? What free agents to you think the Knicks should sign to fill up their final roster spots? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Opinion: Knicks Should Sign Gilbert Arenas

A few days ago, I published a blog entry saying that the Knicks should sign Mo Williams. However, he is still playing with the Clippers and it doesn't look like they are going to waive him.

Now, I think that the Knicks should focus on trying to sign free agent point guard Gilbert Arenas.

Arenas, 29, split last season with the Wizards and the Magic after injuries and legal troubles had kept him off the court. He came off the bench most games in Orlando and D.C. and didn't quite play like he had in seasons before. Recently, the Magic waived him via the amnesty clause and Arenas has announced that he wants to sign with either the Knicks, the Lakers, the Heat, or whatever team trades for Dwight Howard.

Arenas is a 3-time All-Star and even though he will probably never play like the player he was in his prime again, he can still help the Knicks. He was widely criticized for his mediocre play with the Magic last season, but he still played fairly well and I think that he could shine if put into the right situation.

The Knicks could be a very good fit for Arenas and he could help bring a title to New York. If given a starting role, he might start putting up some of the numbers that he used to and if played off the bench he could be a solid backup or the best third-string point guard in the league. Also, he could play some shooting guard if needed.

In conclusion, I think that Arenas is worth the risk and the Knicks should sign him. Plus, the preseason has already started and there aren't a lot of good free agents left.

And yes, I did copy and paste Gilbert Arenas' head on a picture of Larry Hughes.

Have any thoughts on Gilbert Arenas possibly signing with the Knicks? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Baron Davis to Sign With Knicks

Free agent point guard Baron Davis, who was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, has committed to signing with the New York Knicks.

For the past week, Davis, 32, has been speculated to possibly be signing with the Knicks. Davis has made his decision and will sign with New York.

Davis has an injured back and is scheduled to be out 2-10 weeks. Toney Douglas will presumably start while he is recovering, but I have my money on Davis taking over the starting role when he is healthy again.

Also, I wonder what number Davis will wear. 1 and 5, the numbers he has worn for most of his NBA career, are taken by Amar'e Stoudemire (1) and Bill Walker (5). 85, the number that he wore with the Cavs last season, is not taken. However, he could ask Bill Walker to change his number before the season starts. Recently, Landry Fields switched his number to 2 so Tyson Chandler could wear 6.

Here is how the Knicks' lineup for the 2011-12 season is looking right now:

PG: Baron Davis (injured - back) - Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby

SG: Landry Fields - Iman Shumpert, Bill Walker (injured - groin)

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrellson

Also, there is a rumor that the Knicks might also sign free agent point guard Gilbert Arenas. It could be a good move if it happens.

Have any thoughts on Baron Davis signing with the Knicks? Should the Knicks sign Gilbert Arenas? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks Win First Preseason Game vs. Nets

The New York Knicks beat the New Jersey Nets 92-83 in their first preseason game of the 2011-12 NBA season.

Renaldo Balkman led all scorers with 20 points in only 22 minutes off the bench. Rookie Iman Shumpert, who also came off the bench, put up an impressive stat line of 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes of play. Rookie center Josh Harrellson had 7 points to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and an unexpected 3-pointer.

Otherwise, it was a fairly sloppy win for the Knicks. None of the Knicks' starters (Douglas, Fields, Anthony, Stoudemire, & Chandler) hit 50% or more of their field goal attempts except for Tyson Chandler who only scored 4 points. Landry Fields had 7 points and 7 rebounds, but only made 2 out of 12 field goal attempts. Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and 3 assists, but shot under 50 percent in field goals, free throws, and 3-pointers. Toney Douglas had 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, but shot a modest 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. Amar'e Stoudemire's 10 points came from a less-than-spectacular 3 of 11 from the field, including a missed 3-pointer.

Bill Walker, Chris Hunter, and rookie Jerome Jordan did not receive any playing time. Walker was listed as being injured with a strained left groin.

I was especially impressed with Shumpert and Balkman. They both came off the bench and both had great games. If Shumpert can play like he did last night daily, I think he should be the Knicks' starting shooting guard over Landry Fields. Also, Balkman looked like he was in great physical shape.

I mentioned that it was a sloppy game for New York, but this is their first game of the preseason and team chemistry should develop quickly.

The Knicks have one more preseason game against the Nets at home on Wednesday, before tipping off the regular season on Christmas vs. the Boston Celtics.

(Photo Courtesy: NBA - Photo Gallery - Yahoo! Sports)

Have any comments on the Knicks winning their first preseason game. What do you think of Iman Shumpert? Will Renaldo Balkman have a breakout season? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks to Play First Preseason Game Tomorrow

Tomorrow, at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time), the Knicks will play their first preseason game. It will be on the road against the New Jersey Nets.

It should be interesting because this will be the first time that Nets players Shelden Williams and Shawne Williams will play against their former team.

I am looking forward to this game because I'm interested in seeing how new players (Mike Bibby, Iman Shumpert, Josh Harrellson, and Tyson Chandler) will perform. Also, I'm just excited in general for Knicks basketball!

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In other Knicks news, Baron Davis has said that he wants to sign with the Knicks and will be able to play in two weeks. This conflicts with a statement made earlier that he would be out for a minimum of 8 weeks.

If Baron Davis will be 100% healthy in 2 weeks, then it might be a good idea to sign him, but I would consider waiting to see if they can get Mo Williams, who I think is better than Davis.

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Maurice Evans, who was being talked about as a possible free agent choice for the Knicks, has re-signed with the Wizards on a one-year contract.

Free agent targets for the Knicks that remain are Baron Davis, Mo Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, Troy Murphy, Michael Redd, Earl Boykins, Willie Green, and Travis Outlaw. I think that Outlaw would make a good backup small forward if Bill Walker can't crack the Knicks' rotation this season.

(Photo Courtesy: "Knicks Free Agency Update: Waiting on Shawne Williams, Baron Davis" Posting and Toasting - http://www.postingandtoasting.com/photos/the-knicks-free-agency-update-waiting-on-shawne-williams-baron-davis)

Have any thoughts on the Knicks playing their first preseason game tomorrow? Should the Knicks sign Baron Davis or wait on Mo Williams? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Opinion: Knicks Should Sign Mo Williams

After recently losing out on free agents Jamal Crawford and Shawne Williams, the Knicks have a new hope: Mo Williams.

Williams, 28, split last season playing with the struggling Cavaliers and the pre-CP3 Clippers and put up averages of 14 points and 6.6 assists in 58 games.

However, Williams is speculated to be waived via the amnesty clause because the Clippers now have Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, and Eric Bledsoe (who are all point guards).

If he is waived, the Knicks should try to claim him or sign him once he clears waivers. New York should use whatever money and cap space they have left to sign him. Williams would presumably be the Knicks' starting point guard over Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby and should be willing take less money for a better shot at winning a championship.

With the Knicks' current roster, I picture them eventually losing in the Eastern Conference Finals or Semi-Finals. With Williams at the point for them, they would have a much better shot at winning the title.

I am urging the Knicks to sign Mo Williams!!! If the Heat steal him, New York's title hopes might have to wait for the 2012-13 season.

(Photo Courtesy: "Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Clippers (Mo Williams)" Zimbio - http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/63KZ98W57Or/Denver+Nuggets+v+Los+Angeles+Clippers/Q_UWFNyegOe/Mo+Williams)

Have any thoughts on the Knicks possibly signing Mo Williams? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Jamal Crawford to Sign With Blazers, Shawne Williams to Sign With Nets, Baron Davis Out 8-10 Weeks

The Knicks have suffered a lot of bad news today. The day after Chris Paul was traded to the Clippers, Jamal Crawford has decided to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, Shawne Williams has decided to sign with the New Jersey Nets, and free agent Baron Davis will be sidelined for at least 8 weeks.

According to Crawford, his mom wanted him to go to Portland, which added to the fact that the Knicks couldn't offer him as much money. His deal is reportedly worth $5 million for one year.

The Knicks gave Williams a lowball qualifying offer, neglected him to persue Crawford, and ended up losing out on him all together. His deal with the Nets is reportedly worth $5 million over two years.

On top of that, Baron Davis' back injury is more serious than everyone thought. Sources say that he will be out for a minimum of eight weeks. That means he'll be playing on February 9, 2012 at the earliest. He reportedly has a herniated disc in his back.

As insult to injury (no pun intended), Reggie Williams, who was considering signing with the Knicks, agreed to terms with the Bobcats yesterday on a two-year deal.

Yesterday and today were not good days for the Knicks.

Now, the Knicks have very few options on who to sign. They could sign Maurice Evans, an injured Baron Davis (who wouldn't be available until midway through the season), or someone else.

Right now is when the Knicks should get creative. There are some free agents that come to mind that are risky, but could help bring a title to New York this season:

Allen Iverson: He hasn't played in the NBA since 2010, but is still supremely talented. At 36, he isn't too old to make a difference and be a contributor. He is also desperate and would presumably be willing to sign at the veteran's minimum. The NBA needs to give AI another chance and I hope the Knicks are the team to do it.

Gilbert Arenas: He cleared waivers after being waived by the Magic via the amnesty clause and is officially an unrestricted free agent. Legal troubles, injuries, and lack of playing time have given him a bad reputation and shadowed his talent. If the Knicks give him a chance and enough minutes, he could shine and lead the Knicks to glory in the postseason. However, Arenas is reportedly interested in the Heat.

Rodney Stuckey: Stuckey balked at the Pistons' offer of $40-45 million over 5 years, so you wouldn't think that the Knicks would have any luck with Stuckey, but if both sides thought outside-the-box, he could be their savior. Stuckey is obviously trying to get the most money he can possibly get, but if he signs with the Knicks for less money on a one-year deal, he could showcase his talent in a bigger market, maybe bring a title to NY, and then go for the money in 2012. That being said, there isn't much of a chance at all of this happening.

Travis Outlaw: He is being amnestied by the Nets after a disappointing season in the first year of a big contract. However, he has shown that he can help teams win. He averaged over 10 points in less than 30 minutes a game in two separate seasons (07-08 & 08-09) with the Blazers. He is only 27 years old.

Andrew Gonzalez: He was the 7th leading scorer in the nation last season at Houston Baptist University with 22.9 points per game. The key to winning basketball games is to score more points than the other team and Gonzalez can score. Just something to think about. Also, since he would be a rookie, he'd be really cheap and the Knicks would save money.

DeShawn Stevenson: He helped the Mavericks win the championship last season with Tyson Chandler and I think he's better than Maurice Evans.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be better for Knicks fans.

Have any thoughts on the Knicks losing out on Jamal Crawford and Shawne Williams? Who should the Knicks sign? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Baron Davis Waived by Cavaliers

As expected, the Cleveland Cavaliers have waived veteran point guard Baron Davis with the amnesty clause.

Assuming that he's not going to be claimed by any teams, the Knicks have a chance at signing him. They have expressed interest in signing him at the veteran minimum. The Knicks only have two real point guards in Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby and could really use Davis.

However, the Knicks are also pursuing Jamal Crawford and Shawne Williams and don't have much cap space left after signing Tyson Chandler.

I hope that the Knicks can get Davis, Crawford, and Williams or at least 2 out of those 3 players. They would really help the Knicks out.

(Photo Courtesy: "Fans deserve this Cavs win over Heat" The Medina-Gazette - http://medinagazette.northcoastnow.com/2011/03/30/fans-deserve-this-cavs-win-over-heat/)

Have any thoughts on Baron Davis being waived by the Cavs? Will he sign with the Knicks? Will he be claimed off waivers by another team? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Hornets and Clippers Agree to Chris Paul Trade

The Knicks seem to have missed out on acquiring Chris Paul, for now. According to multiple sources, the Clippers and Hornets have agreed "in principle" to a trade that would send Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers, NOT the Knicks!!!

The trade will reportedly send scoring machine Eric Gordon, former All-Star Chris Kaman, young Al-Farouq Aminu, and an unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick from the Timberwolves to New Orleans and only CP3 to the Clips.

This may sound bad to Knicks fans right now, but here are a few reasons to remain hopeful:

-David Stern blocked the Lakers/Hornets/Rockets trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers. He could do the same thing with this trade if he wanted to. Stern is a known Knicks fan.

-If the trade does go through, Paul could be traded to the Knicks before the deadline from the Clippers. I don't see this happening, but anything is possible. If Carmelo Anthony can force a trade to New York, Chris Paul can too.

-Paul could just wait until free agency to sign with the Knicks. As far as I know, he never said that he would sign a contract extension with the Clippers if traded there. The Knicks won't have as much cap space as some teams in 2012 and might only be able to offer him less than $10 million a year.

-The Knicks not only have Melo and Amar'e, but also Tyson Chandler, who Paul liked playing with in New Orleans.

However, I will be a little bit worried if this trade actually goes through. Let's hope for the best, Knicks fans!!!

Have any thoughts on Chris Paul being traded to the Clippers? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

UPDATE: The Clippers will also receive a couple of second round draft picks in the trade.

Knicks Considering Signing Maurice Evans (as a 3rd or 4th Option)

If the Knicks can't sign Jamal Crawford or Shawne Williams (or Baron Davis), they are looking into the possibility of signing guard/forward Maurice Evans.

Evans, 33, split last season playing with the Hawks and the Wizards. He is known to play a more defensive game.

Personally, I will be upset if the Knicks end up signing Evans. I consider Crawford, Williams, and Davis to be much better choices than Evans.

The Knicks need to keep their eyes on the prizes: Jamal Crawford, Shawne Williams, and Baron Davis. And if they can't get any of those three guys, there are many players that I'd want the Knicks to sign before Evans: Gilbert Arenas, Hilton Armstrong, Talor Battle, Earl Boykins, Antonio Daniels, Evan Fjeld, Scotty Hopson, Josh Howard, Allen Iverson, Darnell Jackson, Rashad McCants, Jamario Moon, James Posey, Jacob Pullen, Theo Ratliff, Michael Redd, Joe Smith, DeShawn Stevenson, Peja Stojakovic, Reggie Williams.......you get the point.

(Photo Courtesy: SLAMonline - http://www.slamonline.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/maurice_evans_small.jpg)

Have any thoughts on Maurice Evans possibly signing with the Knicks? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks Pursuing Baron Davis and Hoping to Sign Jamal Crawford

The Knicks play their first regular season game on Christmas against the Boston Celtics. They're hoping that by then, Baron Davis and/or Jamal Crawford will be in uniform for them.

Davis, 32, is still on contract with the Cavaliers, but is expected to be waived by the end of the week. The Knicks have been targeting Davis and hope to sign him if he if dropped by the Cavs. Davis would be a front-runner for starting point guard if he joined the Knicks.

The Knicks are also hoping to add Crawford, 31, to their roster before the season starts. There were talks of a possible sign-and-trade deal with the Hawks, but it appears as if the Knicks are trying to convince Crawford to sign with New York for $2.5 million.

Both of these guys would, in my opinion, help the Knicks tremendously, but it seems very unlikely that they can sign both of them. Crawford seems to be debating on whether to play where he wants to play (New York) or where he would get twice as much money (Indiana). Also, Davis hasn't even been waived by the Cavs yet and there's a possibility that they may keep him.

Realistically, the Knicks can probably only sign one of them. Fans on the internet have debated over which one they should sign, but I think that either one would be great. They are both capable of being starters and helping the team greatly.

But if the Knicks can secure both of them, here is how their lineup will look:

PG: Baron Davis* - Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby

SG: Jamal Crawford* - Landry Fields, Bill Walker, Iman Shumpert

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman, Devin Green

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries, Chris Hunter

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrelson, Jerome Jordan

* = Pure Speculation

With that lineup, I'd say that the Knicks would be a championship-caliber team.

(Photo Courtesy: Clippers TopBuzz - http://clippers.topbuzz.com/modules/gallery/baron-davis/Baron_Davis_shoots_over_Jamal_Crawford)

Have any thoughts on the Knicks signing Baron Davis and/or Jamal Crawford? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Ex-Knick Chauncey Billups Claimed Off Waivers by Clippers

Chauncey Billups, who was recently waived by the Knicks, has been claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Billups, 35, started 21 games with the Knicks after being acquired in the Carmelo Anthony trade. He was recently waived under the amnesty clause when the Knicks signed Tyson Chandler.

Recently, Billups has threatened to retire if a bad team claims him. I'm not sure how he will feel about playing with the Clips. Though they had a modest 32-50 record last season, they signed Caron Butler during the offseason and 2011 Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin can only get better.

Billups was rumored to be joining the Heat before being claimed by the Clippers.

Will Billups retire? How do you feel about Billups possibly playing with the Clippers? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks Sign Chris Hunter and Devin Green, Will Sign Jerome Jordan

The Knicks are set to add three new players to their training camp roster: Chris Hunter, Devin Green, and Jerome Jordan.

Hunter, 27, played 4 seasons at Michigan with the Wolverines from 2002-2006 before playing professionally overseas in Poland and Belgium and in the D-League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He saw his first NBA action in 2009 when he was called up by the Warriors and played in 60 games with them during the 2009-2010 season. Hunter plays power forward and center.

The Knicks have also signed Green, 29, who played 4 seasons at Hampton University before going undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft. He then signed with the struggling Lakers and played in 27 games with them during the 2005-2006 season. Since then, he has played in Germany, Bulgaria, Belgium, and Italy as well as in the D-League with the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Green primarily plays shooting guard and small forward.

Jordan, 25, agreed "in principle" to sign with the Knicks. Originally born in Jamaica, Jordan migrated to the United States during his youth and ending up playing four seasons of college basketball at Tulsa from 2006-2010. He then was drafted 44th overall by the Bucks in the 2010 NBA Draft and later had his rights traded to the Knicks in exchange for cash. Jordan played in the Summer League with the Knicks in 2010, but spent the regular season playing overseas in Serbia and signed with a Slovenian team in July of 2011. He plays center.

Here is how the Knicks' lineup is looking as of today:

PG: Toney Douglas - Mike Bibby

SG: Landry Fields - Bill Walker (also plays small forward), Iman Shumpert

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman, Devin Green (also plays shooting guard)

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries, Chris Hunter (also plays center)

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrelson, Jerome Jordan

Have any thoughts on Chris Hunter, Devin Green, and Jerome Jordan signing with the Knicks? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

JJ Barea to Sign With the Timberwolves, NOT the Knicks

Point guard JJ Barea is reportedly planning to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 4-year, $19 million dollar contract.

The Knicks were also in the hunt to sign Barea along with the T'Wolves, but have ultimately lost out. That being said, the Knicks can still acquire Jamal Crawford who would be a key player on this season's Knicks squad.

As for Barea, I find this move a bit odd. His annual salary averages out to be less than $5 million a year and I can't imagine that the Knicks' offer would have been much less. Plus, the Timberolves had the worst record in the NBA last season and are a bottom-feeder while the Knicks are a playoff team in possible championship contention. Then again, Barea has already won a championship and may not care about that anymore.

Now that Barea is not an option for the Knicks, here is how their lineup looks:

PG: Toney Douglas - Mike Bibby

SG: Jamal Crawford* - Landry Fields, Iman Shumpert

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Bill Walker, Renaldo Balkman

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrelson

* - Pure Speculation

Have any thoughts on the Knicks losing out on JJ Barea? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks Pursuing SG Jamal Crawford and PG JJ Barea

The Knicks' roster for the upcoming season is incomplete and the Knicks are hoping that JJ Barea and Jamal Crawford can help fill the voids.

The Knicks are hoping to sign Barea with some of the cap space that they have left. Barea, who won an NBA Championship with new Knick Tyson Chandler last season with the Mavericks, would be a front-runner for the starting point guard role along with Toney Douglas. Barea is also being persued by the Timberwolves.

The Knicks are hoping to acquire Crawford via a sign-and-trade deal. Crawford, 31, recently rejected a contract offer from the Knicks that would have paid him $2.5 million a year. If acquired in a sign-and-trade deal, he could make up to $5 million per year. Crawford, who won the Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Hawks in 2010, is also considering signing with the Bulls.

I hope that the Knicks can get both Barea and Crawford because they are both capable of being starters and helping the team significantly, but it seems unlikely that they have enough cap space. Both of them can probably make more money on other teams. That being said, the Knicks are a contender and Barea and Crawford both have former teammates that are currently on the Knicks.

If the Knicks can sign both Crawford and Barea, here is how their lineup might look:

PG: JJ Barea* - Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby

SG: Jamal Crawford* - Landry Fields, Iman Shumpert

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Bill Walker, Renaldo Balkman

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrelson (officially signed with the Knicks)

* = Pure Speculation

(Photo Courtesy: Indiatimes - http://oneclick.indiatimes.com/photo/0aM5efQ0Lobsw)

Have any thoughts on JJ Barea and Jamal Crawford possibly joining the Knicks? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Knicks to Sign PG Mike Bibby to 1-Year Deal

According to the New York Post, veteran point guard Mike Bibby has agreed (in principle) to sign with the Knicks on a one-year contract at the veteran minimum ($1.4 million).

Bibby, 33, has played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Grizzlies, Kings, Hawks, Wizards, and Heat. He will probably be the backup point guard behind Toney Douglas.

So far, the Knicks have re-signed Jared Jeffries to a one-year deal, signed Tyson Chandler to a 4-year deal, and signed Bibby to a one-year deal.

Personally, I think it is a pretty good move for the Knicks, but they could have signed someone better. Allen Iverson's still got it, Gilbert Arenas could put up star numbers if given the minutes, and Jamaal Tinsley is from New York. They also could have waited for the Cavs to waive Baron Davis, assuming that they will. The Knicks technically could still sign one of these guys if they are willing to take a pay-cut or if they're still available.

Here is how the Knicks' lineup for the 2011-2012 season is looking right now (not counting free agents or unsigned 2nd round draft picks):

PG: Toney Douglas - Mike Bibby

SG: Landry Fields - Iman Shumpert, Bill Walker

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries

C: Tyson Chandler

Have any thoughts on the Bibby joining the team or any free agents you think the Knicks should sign before the season starts? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Tyson Chandler to Sign With Knicks

According to ESPN.com, Tyson Chandler, who won a championship with the Mavericks last season, has reportedly agreed to a 4-year contract to play in New York. The contract is reported to be worth about $58 million which calculates to an annual salary of about $14.5 million.

Now at least 3 spots in the Knicks' starting lineup are set. Presumably, Chandler will start at center, Amar'e Stoudemire will start at power forward, and Carmelo Anthony will start at small forward. Landry Fields, who will be entering his second NBA season, will probably start at shooting guard, but the Knicks have recently debated his role as a starter.

The Knicks are in dire need of a point guard now. Chauncey Billups will have to be either amnestied or traded because of signing Chandler, so now New York is short at the point guard position. Anthony Carter, who played in 19 games with the Knicks last season, is 36 years old and is a free agent. Toney Douglas, who served as the sixth man for the team last season, looks to be their best option at point guard right now.

I think the Knicks need to sign a better point guard. They could sign Billups if he's available. He is supposedly "irate" over getting traded or waived, so I don't know if he'd want to sign with the Knicks under these circumstances. Gilbert Arenas has been waived by the Orlando Magic and could be a good option for the Knicks at the starting point guard spot. Another option would be to sign Allen Iverson. Iverson, an 11-time All-Star and 4-time scoring champion, spent last season playing in Turkey after averaging 13.9 points and 4.1 assists in 25 games with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009-2010 season.

Other options include Jamaal Tinsley (who was the first overall pick in the 2011 D-League Draft), Mike Bibby (who played in the Finals with the Heat last season), Earl Boykins, Baron Davis (who is expected to be waived by the Cavaliers) and Aaron Brooks (who is a restricted free agent).

Here is the Knicks' lineup, as of right now:

PG: Toney Douglas - Anthony Carter (FA)

SG: Landry Fields - Bill Walker, Iman Shumpert (unsigned 2011 1st round draft pick)

SF: Carmelo Anthony - Renaldo Balkman, Shawne Williams (FA)

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire - Jared Jeffries, Shelden Williams (FA)

C: Tyson Chandler - Josh Harrellson (unsigned 2011 2nd round draft pick)

Free Agent Possabilities: Alexis Ajinca, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Bibby, Chauncey Billups, Earl Boykins, Aaron Brooks, Kwame Brown, Baron Davis, Vince Carter, Aaron Gray, Bostjan Nachbar, Anthony Parker, Kurt Thomas

Have any thoughts on the Knicks signing Chandler or who could be their starting point guard next season? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.