Knicks Rumors: Wilson Chandler Would Be a Shrewd Late-Season Pick-Up

The New York Knicks appeared to be pretty solid heading into the season, and they proved their quality with a season-opening 106-104 win over the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.

However, there are always ways to get better. As far as the Knicks are concerned, they can get better by getting deeper. Which, of course, is easier said than done at this juncture. There aren't many options left out on the market.

There will be once some players return from excursions overseas, however, and the Knicks are reportedly interested in two players in particular.

Per a report from the New York Post, the Knicks could be interesting in signing either Kenyon Martin or Wilson Chandler once they return from playing in China. However, the Knicks won't be able to sign either player until March.

This is because, according to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard, NBA players who signed up to play in China during the lockout have a contractual obligation to stay through the finish of the Chinese Basketball Association's season.

They can leave, but they can't play anywhere else.

This is one of these situations where all you can do is shrug your shoulders and say, "Well, it is what it is."

When the time comes, though, either player would be a good addition for the Knicks. 

This is especially true of Wilson Chandler. He was a Knick until the team traded him to the Denver Nuggets as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. If he were to re-sign with the Knicks, the bright side is that he wouldn't need much time to get used to Mike D'Antoni's schemes.

The other bright side is that Chandler could step in and spell relief for Carmelo Anthony, thus allowing the Knicks to keep Melo fresh for the postseason. The Knicks don't have to worry too much about overusing Melo as it is, but extra rest never hurt anybody.

Now, it should be noted that getting Chandler won't be easy. He'll be a restricted free agent once he returns, and his rights will belong to the Nuggets. Were the Knicks to make Chandler an offer, the Nuggets would have the option of matching it.

It should also be noted that Chandler could certainly have other outside suitors besides the Knicks.

But then again, the Post's sources claim Chandler would "love" to return to the Knicks. Given that the Knicks look like legit contenders this season, it's not hard to see why.

We'll have to wait a while to see how this all pans out. But if the Knicks add Chandler (and/or Martin), they will have done well.