Baron Davis Officially Signed; Is Steve Novak/James Posey Next?

The New York Knicks have officially signed Baron Davis to the veteran's minimum of $1.4 million, and have zoned in on three-point specialist Steve Novak to assume the role that Shawne Williams left vacant after spurning the Knicks for their "cross-town" rival New Jersey Nets.

Novak is believed to have also signed for the $1.4 million vet minimum, leaving the $2.5 million "room" exception still open for the Knicks. The Knicks seem ready to use the exception to fill a prominent role on the bench.

While the Knicks have already engaged in talks with James Posey, they are also interested in Al Thornton and long-gone Bostjan Nachbar.

Nachbar hasn't played in the NBA since the 2007-2008 season, when he averaged 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds per game. He played for the Anadolu Efes of the Euroleague last year, averaging only 8.5 points per game.

Having his career slowed down by injuries and game not translating well in the NBA, Nachbar simply isn't worth $2.5 million dollars.

James Posey hasn't been the player he was in the past, with his points, rebounds and field goal percentage having gone down considerably over the past three years.

Known for his ability to come off the bench and hit clutch threes, Posey wouldn't be the ideal player to sign for the $2.5 million exception, per se, but he would give Carmelo Anthony a nice breather every now and then.

Al Thornton, at 28, would be perfect off the bench for the Knicks. Known as a slasher coming out of Florida State, the Clippers drafted him 14th overall in 2007.

Having started a number of games his first three seasons, his production slowed down after being traded to Golden State, where he saw less minutes and less ability to create in a new system.

A change of scenery and a fresh start may be just what Thornton needs to restart his career.

There's one more player out there, with a much bigger name than these guys...

Gilbert Arenas. Only 29 years old, but with chronic knee injuries, would the Knicks risk using the cap exception of a player of his ilk? Would Arenas accept such a significant salary decrease?

With the Knicks looking to win, and win now, that risk may be much worth it. Here's hoping Arenas finds the Fountain of Youth and new life in his legs...and if he does find his way to the Knicks, let's hope he is the missing piece to their complex puzzle.