NBA Free-Agency Rumors: Raymond Felton Would Be Great Investment for Knicks

NBA point guards are flying off the board left and right in free agency, leaving the New York Knicks in the unenviable position of scrambling to figure out what they are going to be left negotiating with to solve their dilemma for next season. 

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Raymond Felton is looking to make life easier on the Knicks. 

"

Knicks have emerged as favorites to sign Raymond Felton, the Daily News has learned.

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) July 5, 2012"

Obviously, all eyes will be focused on Jeremy Lin and what he is going to do. The Knicks would undoubtedly love to bring Linsanity back to Madison Square Garden, though they do have some competition from Houston right now (per Yahoo! Sports). 

Regardless of what happens with Lin, bringing Felton back to New York would be a major coup for the Knicks. 

Looking at things strictly from a numbers standpoint, Felton is basically the same player as Lin and will cost a lot less money. 

Last season, Lin averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games played. Felton averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 60 games with Portland.

Both players are more volume scorers than pure shooters, though Lin is a better overall shooter than Felton. Everything else is basically even between the two. 

The biggest difference between Lin and Felton comes at the box office. In just a short amount of time last year, Lin established himself as one of the biggest draws in the NBA. Even if he never becomes the Hall of Famer that everyone pegged him to be thanks to one month last season, people will still pay to see him. 

But is that player really going to be worth a big-money contract, especially when you can go with a cheaper alternative who will give you similar production?

Lin is going to be the Knicks' No. 1 priority this offseason, as he should be. Felton would be a great alternative, or even a potential backup if the team is able to re-sign Lin. 

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