The New York Knicks are looking to improve after making a run in the NBA playoffs last season and with the addition of Andrea Bargnani in a trade, the team feels that it can match up with the Miami Heat in the East and they plan on getting even stronger.
Step one in that process was to sign their first round draft pick, which they did with Tim Hardaway Jr., bringing him in on a four-year, $6.1 million deal while also signing CJ Leslie. Hos agent confirmed the deal to ESPN.com and now both players will be working out and playing in Las Vegas for the summer league and will get some work in right away. A number of other players will also be playing, including Iman Shumpert and Jeremy Tyler as well as Jerome Jordan.
The trade for Bargnani becomes official on Wednesday and the team in the meantime is looking for another point guard as well as a wing player, making the workout of Raja Bell an interesting option. Mike Woodson has also reportedly reached out to Chauncey Billups, but it is unclear if he will come back to the team for a minimum salary.
Yahoo Sports reported that Bell worked out for the team on Monday and after playing for the Jazz last season he had issues with the coaching staff and averaged 7.4 points per game over the two seasons he was with the franchise. The workout could land him a deal and an invite to training camp and he could join Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and Tim Hardaway Jr. on the roster.
Bell is a solid defensive presence and could be a force for them off the bench depending on much he can contribute. Last season the team went 54-28 and ranked seventh in scoring defense while ranking 11th in points per game. The team hopes to improve in both areas and adding Smith will play a big part in that. The team also can sign Carmelo Anthony to a five-year extension in February, according to ESPN.com, which would come ahead of free agency in 2014.
