New York Knicks: 5 Viable Options for Their Mid-Level Exception
The summer's free-agent period is murky, to say the least. With an impending labor dispute and subsequent lockout, the collective bargaining agreement as we know it could cease to exist. But as it stands, many teams that are "cap out" salary wise will have to rely on the mid-level exception as their only means to bring in new talent. The Knicks are an example of such a team.
Basically, the mid-level exception is the calculated average salary in the NBA. This allotment of money does not count against the soft cap that the NBA currently uses. Any amount that exceeds the agreed upon cap number is taxed dollar for dollar and is a situation most team will avoid at all cost. The mid-level exception can be used in whole or divided up to bring in new talent.
Last year, the mid-level exception was set at about $5.8 million. If the CBA is similar, the amount will be about the same this year. Here are some viable options the Knicks can pick from:
Josh McRoberts
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Saying Josh McRoberts had a breakout year is probably an exaggeration. With season averages of 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds, the 6’10” forward’s numbers are somewhat pedestrian.
A closer look, however, reveals McRoberts’ potential in NY. Those numbers came in only 22 minutes per contest and could easily be bumped up significantly in New York’s fast-paced system. Also, McRoberts was extremely efficient with his opportunities, hitting on almost 55 percent of his shot and 38 percent from the arc. He also was able to block nearly a shot a game, ending the season with 57 swats.
Long and athletic, McRoberts could thrive in New York. Best of all, Josh is only 24 years old. Last year, McRoberts made $885,120 and is due for a raise. Using half of that mid-level exception in a three-year deal might land a true sleeper.
Troy Murphy
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Troy Murphy was one of this past season's biggest enigmas. The 6’11” power forward has a career year in 2010, avg 14.6 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 38 percent from the arc.
He was shipped to his home state of New Jersey last offseason where he seemed prefect to hold down a position up front while first-round pick Derrick Favor eased into the rotation. Murphy never cracked the rotation, however, and rotted on the Net bench until he was traded and quickly released. While many sought for the big man’s services, Murphy signed with Boston and barely played.
At 31years old, Murphy may be on the down slope. He may only have one substantial payday left, and a year in the Knicks run and gun offense could land him that last contract. He may go the route Channing Frye took a few years ago, choosing a two-year small deal with a player option with the hope of putting up big numbers and opting out for a better contract. If he can duplicate the 2010 season, the Knicks would take it.
T.J. Ford
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A forgotten man in Indy, the diminutive point guard languished on the bench for much of the year. Carrying an $8.5 million cap number, Ford’s contract typically was a bigger topic of conversation than his production. That contract expires this summer, however, and the Knicks could have serious interest in the former Texas Longhorn.
The Knicks often suffered from the lack of a quality backup point guard, often deploying combo guard Toney Douglas as the lead guard. Ford may not be the player Milwaukee thought he would be when they selected him eighth overall, but TJ can still run an offense, penetrate the lane and make the right pass. He would be an excellent option spelling the solid but aging Chauncey Billips and could be deployed in the same backcourt at times.
If TJ does not get a starting offer from another team, New York can be a player in landing him. Good sense says he will not command a full mid-level exception on the open market, so he could be a solid value this summer.
J.R. Smith
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The super talented, but volatile shooter guard clearly has star talent. When focused, Smith can put up big numbers in a hurry. At age 25, it is very possible that Smith has not reached his prime.
With all the shake-ups in Denver, his numbers took a substantial hit and will most likely be looking for a new home this summer. Smith earned a little over $6 million this past year, so he would have to take a small pay cut which is unlikely. Smith hails from New Jersey, however, and may be convinced to take less to return home.
No one has a greatest risk/reward factor of all the players listed. He could easily approach the 18-20 point-per-game mark with solid peripheral numbers in New York. He could just as easily clash with coaches and be distracted with playing this close to home. Due diligence demands exploration, but this looks like a true long shot.
Shane Battier
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Shane was front and center this postseason, displaying his true team value. A leader in the locker room and a versatile defender on the floor, Battier was a key factor in the Memphis Grizzlies unexpected playoff run. Shane’s numbers do not tell the entire story. Every team with hopes of improving chemistry and defense will be giving Battier a call this summer.
At 32, Battier’s $7 million-plus will most likely go down next year, putting him directly in the mid-level range. The Knicks must improve their defense and bolster their bench, and Shane helps in both areas. He is also a quality three-point threat, connecting on over 38 percent for his career.
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