The NY Knicks are coming into the offseason with a number of questions regarding the future of Carmelo Anthony and as the summer approaches, the team has had interest from the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and LA Lakers about backup point guard Toure' Murry and this comes as Phil Jackson has said the team will likely try to trade Raymond Felton this offseason.
The Knicks have Anthony as their biggest free agent priority, but Murry comes into play this offseason as well since he is set to be a restricted free agent. Murry was a rookie this season and played solid in spots as a backup point guard and that role is why he is getting interest from a number of teams, as the Nets and Bulls would like some support behind their big guys in Deron Williams and Derrick Rose at the point.
The Knicks may have to make some moves to get things done this offseason and Phil Jackson has already talked about trading Raymond Felton and names like Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire also could be in the mix. Murry comes in after averaging just under three points and one assist in 51 games, but his talent is one reason why he is coveted. The Knicks can offer him a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, but if they decline he can sign anywhere and due to the interest they likely will do that. The Knicks can try and work something out and that could be the start of making moves for the team this season.
Last season the Knicks had a very tough year and missed the playoffs after winning the division and 54 games the previous year and that set the stage for some major changes, including the firing of Mike Woodson and the hiring of Phil Jackson. Heading into the offseason the biggest priority for the team is trying to bring back Carmelo Anthony and beyond that they could try for the Kevin Love trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that is looking very unlikely.
Anthony is currently looking at his situation and meeting with his "people" to decide the next move for him and that could mean leaving NYC. According to ESPN.com, the Houston Rockets and the Chicago Bulls are the two teams that have the best chance to sign him over the Knicks and they both are expected to make pushes for him. Phil Jackson has spoken with Anthony about the head coaching search and his future and both admitted that Anthony likely will have to take less money to stay so the team can build around him.
That's not always what an impending free agent wants to hear, but Anthony said he understands that the Knicks need space to build. The team has technically the best chance to sign Anthony since they can give him the most money and years, but that is no guarantee after the way the Knicks played last season. Melo wants to win championships and the way the team is constructed right now that is not happening for at least a year or two.
