The New York Knicks plan on handing out a few maxed contracts of their own in the upcoming offseason after signing Carmelo Anthony to one last year. With plenty of salary cap space opening up for the franchise, team president Phil Jackson is planning a lofty wish list for free agency considering he has the money to do. With competition high for several players, who will Jackson hand out a top-dollar deal to?
According to the New York Post, the Knicks would give a max contract to Rajon Rondo if the point guard favors the Big Apple. Rondo's stock took a hit during this season after his roller coaster stint with the Dallas Mavericks. The point guard proved he is not the easiest player to coach which is why his return to the team is not expected. That apparently has not taken away interest from the Knicks who like the idea of pairing Rondo with Carmelo Anthony. New York will not rush to give Rondo a max deal as the team has other players they plan on talking to first.
ESPNNewYork.com reports LaMarcus Aldridge likes the idea of heading to New York in the coming season. The power forward is not expected to return to Portland and will eye either New York or his home town of Dallas with the Mavericks. Is Aldridge a max contract player? At 29, the answer might be no, but Aldridge is considered the premier power forward available. He wants to sign a five-year deal with a team in order to give himself job security. The Knicks must consider if he is worth that money.
Jimmy Butler could be a long-shot option for New York. According to RealGM.com, Butler will be offered a max contract by the Lakers and potentially the Knicks, but the forward favors the idea of staying put in Chicago. The Bulls get first crack at negotiating with the upcoming restricted free agent and then will have the chance at matching offers from other teams including the Knicks and Lakers.
New York has plenty of players like are ready to talk to. DeMarre Carroll and Greg Monroe have expressed interest in joining the Knicks. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon are hopeful to return. Kevin Love is still a lingering option. Jackson will be aggressive in talking to players, but do not expected rushed decisions.