The Knicks have formally extended a qualifying offer to Chris Copeland, making him a restricted free agent, according to Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter). The offer is for a one-year deal worth $988,872.
Copeland's is the first of many qualifying offers we're likely to see this week. As we explain in our Hoops Rumors glossary, QOs are one-year deals that a player has the option to accept. The offers, which vary in value based on a player's service time and previous contract status, also give the team the right to match offer sheets for the player in free agency.
As I noted this morning, however, because the Knicks are in the tax, they may not have the opportunity to match on Copeland if a rival suitor, such as the Pelicans or Pacers, offers a starting salary worth more than the taxpayer mid-level exception (approximately $3.18MM). The reported interest in Copeland also makes it unlikely that he'd accept the $988,872 offer from the Knicks, since he figures to receive larger bids on the open market.
He leaving we got no cash
We should of started him for Pacers series… Woody messed up. He can drop 25 a game easy if given the green light. Amare came back and it took his mins away.
Why would Copeland stay with the Knicks after the way Mike “I Haven’t got a clue” Woodson treated him, by banishing him on he bench? No “young” (he was young on this squad) will ever play for Woodson after seeing that. I wish him well. Go NY.