New York Knicks Rumors: Baron Davis Isn't Worth Risk for Knicks

Point guard Baron Davis won't be a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers for much longer, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. Even though the New York Knicks are seeking somebody to fill their void at the position, they'd be better off looking elsewhere.

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Sources said Davis will either be waived via the amnesty clause or waived outright Friday. The latter is better for the Knicks.

“They’re watching and waiting,’’ one NBA source said of the Knicks.

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Davis is currently dealing with a back injury and is seeking a second opinion. That's not good news ahead of a shortened season that will see so many back-to-back games. If a team is signing a free agent, they would like a little more assurance that he'll be available on a nightly basis.

The Knicks have done a nice job of building their team into a contender by adding Tyson Chandler to go along with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. They also added veteran point guard Mike Bibby for some depth before what's sure to be a hectic season.

While a healthy Davis used to be one of the league's most dynamic playmakers, his production in recent seasons has dipped. He averaged just 14 points and six rebounds in his time with Cleveland last season.

It's a situation where his reputation doesn't match Davis' current ability. He's a broken-down version of his former self and the Knicks would just be acquiring one big headache.

Another name linked to New York is free agent guard Jamal Crawford, formerly of the Atlanta Hawks.

According to Frank Isola, the team sent a representative to meet with him in hopes of convincing the former Knick to make Madison Square Garden his home again.

He'd be a much better option than Davis. Crawford is a proven scorer and has also run the point during stretches of his NBA career. He had several strong seasons with the Knicks a handful of years ago, which means he wouldn't have to worry about acclimating to his surroundings.

It's yet to be seen if he's willing to take a reduced contract to sign, though. There were some discussions about a three-team trade that would have allowed him to make more money while still ending up with the Knicks, but those fell through.

That said, he should remain the top priority until it becomes clear he's unattainable. If that point is reached, the Knicks should explore all other options before settling for an aging Davis.

He should be viewed as a last resort, not a marquee acquisition.