The New York Knicks are trying to re-fill their roster after buyouts and arrests plagued the team the past two days. With both Metta World Peace and Beno Udrih gone via buyouts and Raymond Felton awaiting punishment following a recent arrest on weapons charges, the Knicks need bodies and are looking to the free agent market for help.
Yahoo Sports is reporting that Earl Clark will be the first to receive a contract from New York. The forward was dealt from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the Spencer Hawes trade, but the team opted to buy out his contract instead of using him. \
Clark was not a major factor for the Cavaliers, but he has solid history in the league. In 2012, he averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Lakers. Clark will primarily be used as a backup for Carmelo Anthony. He can bring a decent perimeter shot to the team as well as being a solid defensive player.
ESPN.com reports Shannon Brown will be the next to sign with the Knicks. The two sides are negotiating a contract. The seven-year veteran played just 10 games this season with the San Antonio Spurs, but was released after two separate contracts. He found plenty of success last season with the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 10.5 points and 2.5 rebounds. He fits the basic needs of the Knicks after losing a guard and a forward earlier in the week.
While Brown and Clark are the likely candidates to finish out the season with the Knicks, New York could still have some interest in Jimmer Fredette. Their point guard position is up in the air after the Felton arrest. If he receives punishment from the league, the Knicks would have no choice but to sign someone for help.
The Sacramento Kings completed a buyout for the young point guard after they failed to trade him by the deadline. Yahoo Sports reports the Knicks are looking at Fredette to hopefully make things a bit more exciting on offense, but a signing might be unlikely. NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski notes the Knicks are mainly focused on defense with their free agent moves and not offense.
The Knicks' season needs saving. Are Clark and Brown the answers? Probably not, but they are bodies on the court, something the team did not have two days ago.
