The Knicks are committed to a long-term rebuilding plan, but a chance to get Jimmy Butler at a bargain price might change their minds, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. New York was one of three preferred locations Butler gave to Timberwolves officials today when he asked to be traded. The Nets and Clippers, also big-market teams, were the other two.
Knicks president Steve Mills provided a window into the team’s thinking Monday when he said the team wouldn’t give up valuable assets in exchange for a player about to enter free agency. Butler expressed a willingness to re-sign with any of the three teams on his list, although he’s going to want a five-year max deal.
Butler’s impending free agent should help drive down the price and could force Minnesota to take far less than his normal value. Berman suggests Courtney Lee would be part of any offer, along with Tim Hardaway if the Knicks feel good about their chance to attract Kyrie Irving in free agency next summer. Berman warns that their reluctance to part with first-round picks or point guard Frank Ntilikina will make it difficult for the Knicks to get a deal done.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Knicks will have a three-way battle for the starting point guard spot in training camp and Trey Burke is confident that he’ll come out on top, Berman writes in a separate story. Burke, Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay, who all saw significant playing time last season, will be in an open competition for starting honors when camp opens next week. “I think all three point guards go in with the right mentality,” Burke said. “We know we’re going to be competing with each other. We also know we’re on the same team and we’ll be making each other better while we’re competing. That’s win, win, win. We’re all looking forward to it. I know I am.”
- Raptors president Masai Ujiri understands the strong friendship between Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, but he doesn’t expect the trade that split up Toronto’s longtime backcourt to have any effect on Lowry’s play, relays Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. “That [trade] was a blow to him,” Ujiri said. “I think basketball-wise Kyle is always ready, he’s always going to be ready, he’s training hard and he’ll be ready.”
- Celtics center Daniel Theis made amazing progress as a 3-point shooter before a meniscus injury cut short his season in March, notes A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston. Theis was just 5 for 26 [19.2%] from long distance from October to December, but improved to 13 of 32 [40.6%] over the rest of the year. Theis has fully recovered from surgery and is expected to be cleared for all basketball activities by the start of camp.
Why would anyone want to go to the Clippers?
Because they are in LA? LOL
The question should be more why would anyone wanna play with New York/Brooklyn.
Location, location, location. The same reason people pay $3,500 a month to rent a 10×10 shack on Park Avenue, in Manhattan.
I live in Brooklyn and NYC is the by far the greatest city in the USA. I’ve lived in LA, SF, ATL, Philly, Boston, Nashville and been all over and the Bay Area is close but no cigar. NYC is the center for trade, Culinary arts, music, fashion and believe it or not basketball. Btw DJones that’s the price of a shack in Williamsburg Bk where me and my wife pay $3800/1 brm and that’s a steal. 2 brms are $5600. Manhattan is even crazier!
For once the Knicks’ brass got it right. Not about Butler really or his teammate issues; he’s a borderline great player. But when you trade for a guy in advance of his FA year, you really pay twice for him. Obviously, the assets you relinquish, and then the large contract and accompanying utilization of cap space for 4-5 years. Unless they can do a trade for him with guys that don’t figure to be key parts of the team after the next couple of years (and/or THJ who may figure to be, but shouldn’t) and/or a lottery protected 1st rounder or two, it’s not worth it. FWIW, Lee is a Thibs type player, and they need a wing even with Butler there, but I don’t see a great fit here.
At the same time, why would Minnesota want to deal him for Lee and Hardaway? Two horrible contracts
lol First you say no, then you say if the deal is right.
Between the 3 teams on Butler’s shortlist, NYK are the worst-positioned next offseason.
Really? You mean it’s better to play with Tobias Harris or dimwittie over Porzingus?
I meant financially, with room to get 2 maxes in BRK’s case. He’s going to want another max-type attracted.
Actually yes, Dinwiddie at PG would be an attraction if it was me deciding… he may be traded though.
Deal him to the Cavs so that he can see how much he isn’t like Lebron.
If the Timberwolves find someone to take Noah as part of the deal, Knicks should pay whatever price they want (with the obvious key players off limits).
It is said Theis aimed for Boston as a FA… they are lucky.
Yeah what a pick up. They find some diamonds in the rough for also having so many drafted/traded for studs. Theis is one of those guys that just does all the hustle plays and gritty picks that BOS thought they lost with O’lynyk. And now that he’s improving his 3 it’s like they completely replaced O’lynk for a penny on the dollar.
Went through the comments to see if anyone noticed…
Look at the picture…
does that dude lift weights with only his right arm? Goodness
C’mon Knicks!! Make it happen