New York Knicks' Free Agency: Five Free Agents That Could Return

The Knicks have been preparing for a 2010 summer extravaganza, aiming to revamp virtually the entire team.

Stars that could see their names in the New York City lights come July include Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. “Fallback” options even include Joe Johnson.

Any of these players would put the organization in the right direction, but every star needs a supporting cast. Because it’s unlikely for the Knicks to replace every player, the door will be open for some of the Knicks’ more reliable role players to return next season.

Here’s a look at five of the Knicks’ key free agents that could still be wearing orange and blue after the summer is over.

David Lee

Lee has made the best case to be re-signed next season, but may have also priced himself out of the Knicks market.

A first time all-star this season, Lee has become a double-double machine and has seen the Knicks’ offense run through him, even after the arrival of Tracy McGrady.

Lee will reportedly receive a lot of interest from the local rival Nets, who could steal him away should the Knicks be able to sign two other free agents and not have the room for Lee.

After proving his value, however, Lee may get rewarded by his current team.

Should the Knicks not strike total gold in this year’s market, they could re-sign Lee along with one maximum free agent in hopes of signing Carmelo Anthony or Chris Paul in 2011 when Eddy Curry’s contract expires.

Waiting a year to have a core of Melo/CP3, Lee, and one other maximum free agent just may be worth it.

Chances of coming back: Somewhat likely

Al Harrington

Harrington was originally acquired by the Knicks simply because his contract was expiring this season.

However, if the Knicks were a playoff team, Harrington would probably be challenging Jamal Crawford for “Sixth Man of the Year.”

Harrington is a shoot first player who does not provide the Knicks with much more than pure offense, but he does it well.

Only starting in 13 games thus far, Harrington has become a staple off the bench and is the team’s second leading scorer.

His offensive spark off the bench is undeniable and furthermore, is something that any good team needs. If he were to show appreciation for Donnie Walsh’s loyalty, taking a pay cut could make it possible for him to return to a potentially more competitive Knicks squad next season.

Note to Al: If you want to return, consider it more a long term investment in winning rather than a pay cut.

Chances of coming back: An outside chance

Tracy McGrady

McGrady’s most valuable asset, like Harrington, is his large expiring contract at the end of the season.

That being said, his tryout for a contract next season isn’t going as well as everyone had hoped.

McGrady has seen sporadic playing time (the Knicks being cautious of his bad knee), often sitting out most of the fourth quarter during his team’s games. Certainly not the clutch player he once was, McGrady’s comments after games usually pertain to how much he enjoys “watching” his teammates, rather than playing with them.

If the Knicks are able to secure two maximum free agents this summer, the goal would become filling the roster with bargain players that prove to be an adequate supporting cast.

Once a candidate to return to the Knicks next season (if he were to consider a pay cut despite his outstanding career), his 11 points per game and fourth quarter seat on the bench may not even be worth as much as the mid-level exception anymore.

Chances of coming back: Currently unlikely

Sergio Rodriguez

Although his playing time has also been sporadic as of late, Rodriguez appears to have one of the better chances of returning to the Knicks given the combination of his likely bargain rate and position.

There are not many quality “true point guards” in this year’s free agent market for the Knicks to turn attention to.

Rodriguez was given the opportunity to be the starting point guard when he was acquired, and although he may not be the almighty point guard of the future, he certainly proved that he would be sufficient enough to platoon with Toney Douglas at the position next season.

Rodriguez has shown that he can be effective for spurts of action, which may just make him the perfect compliment to Douglas as a starter.

His international background and cheap qualifying offer (as a restricted free agent) make him an instant winner for Coach D’Antoni and the Knicks.

Chances of coming back: Very likely

Bill Walker

Upon his arrival to New York, Walker was a little known D-League standout to many big market Knicks fans.

He was virtually an afterthought in the deal that brought Eddie House to New York, simply an expiring contract filler to make the deal financially possible.

Apparently Coach D’Antoni didn’t miss that memo about him being a D-League standout. Given ample playing time, Walker has demonstrated himself to be a very sufficient defender and efficient scorer, including four 20-plus point games this month.

With the champion contending Celtics, Walker barely saw time on the court. With the experimenting Knicks, the somewhat still unproven Walker may have played his way into a securing a contract next season as a reliable role player.

One cannot stress how much the Knicks will be searching for bargains next season, and as it appears New York may be Walker’s best option for playing time. It would be smart for the two sides to continue the ongoing relationship.

Chances of coming back: Likely

For more of Keith's Knicks coverage, go to www.knicksjournal.com