Phil Jackson appears to favor familiarity. After coming into position with the New York Knicks, he signed Lamar Odom to a contract despite being inactive from the NBA for some time. He likes the idea of bringing in Pau Gasol in free agency and could be targeting another former player if Tyson Chandler or Amar'e Stoudemire are gone next season.
First thing is first, even without Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks will be $62.9 million over the salary cap. New York has to move Chandler, Stoudemire or Andrea Bargnani no matter what. They have $29.9 million invested in Stoudemire and Bargnani combined and another $14.1 million in Chandler. All three will not be on the roster come next season. No matter what, the Knicks can only offer free agency mid-level exceptions or the veteran's minimum.
With that, could the Knicks be players for Andrew Bynum in the offseason? The center is officially done with the Indiana Pacers, not that his time with them ever really starter. Bynum never stepped foot on the court in a Pacers uniform and clearly Indiana did not see that situation improving during the postseason, opting to release him. Now a free man, could Jackson show faith in his former player? ESPNNewYork.com believes the team is the center's best option at a second-chance at an NBA career. If he is healthy, Bynum could be an asset. He saw his best playing years under Jackson and if Odom gets a second shot, so should he.
Without any trades, the Knicks' only options will be players like Mike Miller or Steve Blake. Miller played last season under the veteran's minimum. He can still be a strong player and if Jackson can get him to agree to another small contract, Miller would be an excellent addition to the Knicks' bench. With Raymond Felton's future in question, Blake could be a good signing. However, getting him to agree to the minimum might be harder than the Knicks want.
If Jackson sending Chandler or Stoudemire packing, they immediately have more options. Players like Gasol or Luol Deng could be options for the team. Anthony is not going to be thrilled if the only additions New York makes is adding Bynum or Miller in the offseason.
