(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks tried to acquire Grant Hill nine years ago when they were shopping Patrick Ewing. It did not work out for New York, since Hill landed in Orlando via sign-and-trade and Ewing was dealt to Seattle.
With Jason Kidd staying in Dallas, the franchise is looking to land another All-Star veteran.
Yesterday, Hill was given a Knicks' jersey, visited the teams training facility, and had dinner with head coach Mike D’Antoni and team president Donnie Walsh. Hill played under D’Atoni in 2007-2008 when he coached Phoenix.
The 36-year-old has the option to resign with the Suns and has drawn interest from Boston. Last season marked the first time in his 14-year career he did not miss a regular season game.
He finished the season strong averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and shot 55 percent from the field in April. He also became the 17th active player to reach 14,000 points.
New York can offer Hill their mid-level-exception (MLE) worth up to about $5.6 million and a biennial exception. The bi-annual exception is worth up to $2 million per season. The Suns used there biennial exception on Hill in 2007 and are expected to offer a similar portion of the MLE.
The Knicks can offer Hill more money, but the Celtics can offer Hill the chance to play for a championship. The Celtics signed Rasheed Wallace to their mid-level exception and can only offer Hill the biannual exception.
If the Knicks acquire Hill at a reasonable price he would be able to provide his leadership and experience to a rebuilding team. Even though Hill is turning 37-years-old in October, he was one of the most versatile guards/forwards of our time.
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