The Knicks and Nets will be “all over” Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley when he hits the free agent market this summer, sources have indicated to the New York Post’s Marc Berman and Fred Kerber. The New York City clubs are two of the few teams searching for a high-level point guard, the story continues. Knicks coach Derek Fisher has an affinity to left-handed point guards like Conley since he was one himself, the story adds. Both teams have ample cap room to sign big-name free agents, as the Knicks have approximately $55.4MM in guaranteed salary commitments for next season while the Nets’ guarantees are slightly under $45.4MM.
In other news around the Atlantic Division:
- The Nets must decide whether center Brook Lopez is a cornerstone piece while also focusing their energies on acquiring younger players, two parts of a five-step plan outlined by RealGM.com’s Brett Koremenos to revive the franchise. The Nets should use the remainder of the season to evaluate whether they should build around Lopez or unload him, Koremenos opines, but can’t afford to throw away any more assets if they opt to trade him.
- Point guard Cory Joseph and power forward Patrick Patterson made major contributions off the bench in the Raptors’ trip to London this week and that bodes well for their bench, Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun writes. Both have shown a reluctance to shoot but the club needs more offensive punch from the duo and the game provided a much-needed confidence boost, Ganter adds.
“Derek Fisher has an affinity for the left handed PG because he was one” is the dumbest thing I’ve ever read.
I agree.Now if it were at a different position,I’d agree.
It would be neat if the Knicks and Nets would trade the Lopez brothers for each other. The Knicks would have to give up something more to make the value and salaries match, but it is at least possible.
Brother swap? Sounds like a reality show. Interesting idea.
Not unprecedented, Pau Gasol / Marc Gasol
Great point Steve, though Marc wasn’t playing in the league at the time of the trade.