Andrea Bargnani was good as gone in the middle of the season. The power forward was injured with one of the highest-paying contracts on the team. The Knicks were looking for salary cap space and Bargnani simply was not wanted at his current price. However, instead New York dumped Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler along with Iman Shumpert and JR Smith leaving Bargnani to stay put with no trade interest in sight. However, could New York do the unthinkable and actually bring him back into the rotation next season?
According to the New York Daily News, there is mutual interest between Phil Jackson and Bargnani to continue the forward's time with the franchise. With several players out with injuries, Bargnani has improved his shot while taking hold of the triangle offense. Alongside Tim Hardaway Jr and Langston Galloway, Bargnani is exceling late in the season despite the overall struggles of the Knicks. With most players auditioning for a future role on the team, the forward is taking advantage of it.
"Andrea is optimistic about what Phil is trying to accomplish and he certainly wants to be part of it," agent Leon Rose said, via the Daily News. "But he's a free agent this summer so it's too early to predict what may or may not happen."
Bargnani will get looks as a free agent, but no one will pay him what the Knicks originally did. The forward is no longer looked at as a starter, but a solid rotational player which is why the Knicks are considering the idea of bringing him back. New York will be spending money this offseason, but they are chasing the same players as everyone else. Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol are at the top of the list, but the Lakers, Mavericks and Rockets also like those players. If the Knicks miss out on someone, bringing back Bargnani is not the worst idea for the team.
Other players will not be as lucky. Jose Calderon will likely be traded this offseason as the Knicks aim to acquire picks. Galloway's success is forcing that deal to happen. Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas might also get the boot after their short stints. Building around Carmelo Anthony is a priority and the Knicks think Bargnani could help the effort.
