Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Potential Free-Agent Signings

The New York Knicks are close to rounding out their final roster but still have a few spots left to fill this offseason.

After signing Metta World Peace, extending J.R. Smith and trading for Andrea Bargnani, the club is sitting pretty and looks ready to make a run during the 2013-14 campaign.

Let’s take a look at who the Knicks may be interested in signing on the cheap to bolster the bench and complete the lineup for the upcoming season.

Beno Udrih Still on Radar

Despite re-signing Pablo Prigioni for three seasons, New York is still pursuing another veteran point guard to finalize the backcourt rotation.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Knicks are trying to convince Beno Udrih to sign for a minimum contract and have a chance to pursue his third ring.

The 31-year-old won titles with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007, but hasn’t participated in an NBA playoff game since his last championship run.

Udrih, a journeyman who has played with four clubs during his nine-year career, most recently shined with the Orlando Magic after being involved in a midseason trade.

He holds career averages of 9.1 points, 3.6 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game and could provide great injury insurance and solid play in limited minutes coming off the pine in the Big Apple.

Ivan Johnson May Be Reachable

The Knicks frontcourt was strengthened after the addition of Kenyon Martin, but the team needs at least one more versatile big body in case of injury and attrition during the 82-game season.

One name that is starting to pop up—somewhat unexpectedly—is Ivan Johnson, the power forward/center who most recently played for the Atlanta Hawks.

According to ESPN’s Jared Zwerling, the 29-year-old unrestricted free agent was initially seeking the mini mid-level exception but is reportedly reconsidering after fellow big man DeJuan Blair signed for the veteran’s minimum with the Dallas Mavericks.

At 6’8” and 255 pounds, Johnson is a tad undersized but more than makes up for the lack of inches with pure determination. He is an energy guy off the bench and could bring a whole new dimension of toughness to New York.

Johnson holds career averages of 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.8 minutes of play over two seasons in Atlanta.

If he could play that same role for the Knicks, it would be a perfect fit.

Louis Amundson Has Registered Interest

With the number of available big men with NBA experience and serviceable skills quickly dwindling, “Sweet” Lou Amundson has become a player to keep an eye on.

As per Stein, there are a number of potential suitors for his talents around the league—including the Knicks.

Although Amundson hasn’t been a significant contributor during his NBA career, the former UNLV star can certainly play.

He’s been on eight different teams during his seven-year tenure in the league but always finds a way to make an impact on the end of the bench.

New York could use a glue guy that has heart, hustle and other intangibles that just can’t be taught, and Amundson will certainly be available at the veteran’s minimum price tag.

It may not be the signing that fans are hoping for, but it could end up being one of the most underrated of the offseason.