Knicks Rumors: Shawne Williams To Make Decision on Return to New York Soon

As the 2011-12 NBA season rapidly approaches, one of the New York Knicks' remaining decisions should be settled soon.

That involves the fate of free-agent Shawne Williams.

Williams is set to decide by tomorrow on whether or not to return to New York or possibly take a longer, more lucrative contract elsewhere. The free agent is known to have a bigger offer from New Jersey and teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks have all also shown interest in the swingman.

However, all things being equal, Williams would rather be in New York as he told HOOPSWORLD in a recent interview.

In Williams, the Knicks have a guy that is a solid long-range shooter, making a career-high 40 percent from three-point range, and a valuable defender that can defend either the 3 or 4.

Unfortunately for Williams, the Knicks can only offer free agents the $2.5 million room exception which can used for a maximum of two years. All the other teams pursuing him can likely trump that.

By signing with the Knicks, it would give Williams the opportunity to remain with the same team for two consecutive seasons for the first time in his career. That and the opportunity to remain with head coach Mike D'Antoni are also high on Williams' wish list.

It's hard to leave money on the table, especially for role players who tend to not stay in the league for an extended period of time, so it would be hard to fault Williams for taking it. But for the Knicks and Williams, it almost seems like too good of a fit for either side to pass up.

Williams' decision is due tomorrow. Hopefully, for the Knicks' sake, he elects to remain in the Big Apple.