Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Potential Signings, Future Plans and More

Despite having little cap room and just a few roster spots available, the New York Knicks are far from finished in terms of major free-agency acquisitions.

The team recently re-signed Kenyon Martin to a one-year contract worth the veteran’s minimum, proving that the Big Apple is an attractive-enough destination and the club is competent enough to round out the lineup with solid backups on ultra-cheap contracts.

Let’s take a look at who else the Knickerbockers are interested in bringing aboard, plus some of the latest buzz on the squad’s future plans and more in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.

 

Delonte Being Considered

New York needs to round out its guard rotation with a solid player that is capable of stepping up and playing big minutes in case of injury or other drastic circumstances.

One option the team is exploring is Delonte West, the talented but mercurial guard that hasn’t played an NBA contest since end of the 2011-12 campaign.

According to Chris B. Haynes of CSNNW.com, the organization has had discussions with West’s camp but has yet to make an offer to the eight-year veteran.

West holds career averages of 9.7 points, 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds and is a more-than-adequate defender of point guards and shooting guards.

Unfortunately, the combo guard has been dealing with bipolar disorder for his entire career, and it has caused issues in the locker room and away from the court.

If he can control the disorder and stay out of trouble, West would significantly bolster the talent level in the Knicks backcourt.

Expect team brass to do its due diligence on the matter before making any further progress.

It wouldn’t be surprising if there were previsions in West’s contract to prevent any serious financial windfall in case they need to cut him loose—assuming New York signs him in the first place.

‘Melo Will Be Able to Pick Teammates

Carmelo Anthony has the option to become a free agent in the summer of 2014, and there is a decent chance that the superstar swingman exercises that clause in his contract.

However, the Knicks are attempting to convince ‘Melo to stay locked into his current deal until the 2015 offseason—when his contract expires—by pointing out that the books will be clear and he will be able to choose his teammates.

According to Steve Kyler of HOOSPWORLD, team brass has informed the 10-year veteran that he will have a chance to assemble a supporting cast in much the same way that Dwyane Wade was able to with the Miami Heat back in 2010.

The Knicks are willing to go well into the luxury-tax threshold and aren’t afraid to pay big bucks in order to put a championship product on the floor.

While the squad will be competitive in 2013-14, it will have a chance to truly push the Heat for the Eastern Conference title 2014-15—but only if Anthony sticks around and is surrounded by a handful of stars.

Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Brook Lopez and more could all hit the open market in two years, while Raymond Felton (player option), Pablo Prigioni (non-guaranteed) and J.R. Smith (player option) are the only players that may still be under contract from the current roster.

C.J. Leslie and Iman Shumpert could also stay put, as they are due relatively cheap qualifying options, while the Knicks hold a team option on 2013 first-round draft pick Tim Hardaway Jr.

Toure May Get Training-Camp Invite

Regardless of the sheer number of contracts the Knicks have already given out, they are still going to invite some hopefuls to training camp and have them battle it out for the final few roster spots.

One of those who could possibly be there in early October is Toure Murry, the former Wichita State star that recently won a D-League championship with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

According to ESPN New York’s Jared Zwerling, Murry has a number of other options for next season—likely overseas—and has still not decided if he will attend the Knickerbockers' camp.

The guard prospect put up a triple-double in one of the contests during the three-game D-League championship series, proving that he possesses NBA-caliber skills.

At 6’5” and 203 pounds, he has the size to boot and should end up getting a chance at the next level, whether it is with the Knicks or not.