The Knicks Fix

Suddenly got quiet on the Knick front. The team doesn't expect to know of Jason Kidd's decision until after the holiday weekend. The deals are there to mull -- 3x$24M from DAL and 3x$18M from the Knicks -- and Kidd has to decide whether it's about the loot or the location.

It is unclear if the Dallas deal has the third year guaranteed. The Knicks, from what I'm told, most certainly is. The third year isn't the issue for Donnie Walsh, it's the second year (2010-11). But if Kidd accepts, then you can be sure the next step will be to find a way to move Jared Jeffries' $6.8M salary off the 2010-11 payroll.

A quick note here: the Knicks don't want to move Jeffries. In fact, the coaching staff is very high on him as a player and a person.

If Kidd doesn't take the New York challenge, don't immediately think Ramon Sessions is the next target. Sure, the Knicks would love to have him, but they haven't been in touch with his agent yet. Why? Because the Bucks have made it crystal clear with their moves that they plan to match any offer for Sessions. It is likely a futile exercise.

Andre Miller and Mike Bibby would get calls, but let's be honest, if the Kidd scenario falls through it might be better to stick with Chris Duhon for the season with Toney Douglas as the third guard and see what happens with Steve Nash next summer. Nash, who has a $13M team option the Suns will pick up in August ($8M of it is guaranteed, according to the Arizona Republic, so you know they're picking it up), won't sign an extension if he's not happy with the direction of the franchise.

Like Kidd, Nash may be just using the Knicks as leverage. But if you're the Knicks, you stay in the game just in case. Nash just keeps talking about the Knicks and basically said to the Globe & Mail that if it's time to move on from Phoenix, the Knicks are his first choice:

But the Victoria, B.C. native, who is heading into the final year of a contract that will pay him $13.1 million U.S. in 2009-10, acknowledged that if the sides can’t reach a consensus, “than a trade would always be a possibility.” And if that’s the case, the point guard said he would like to play in New York, where his family spends its summers.

“I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that’s what I’m focusing on right now,” Nash said. “But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D’Antoni was one of my favourite coaches. If it didn’t work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I’d consider.”

* * *

As for the restricteds...still haven't heard that the Knicks have made any formal offers to either. Parameters have been discussed but right now the agents for both players are playing the market. Remember, any offer sheets can be matched by the Knicks.

The report from Toronto about the Raptors having an interest in acquiring David Lee is accurate, but moot. I checked in with Toronto and was told Chris Bosh would not be part of any trade conversations and the reply I got from the Knicks end was that there wasn't much interest in any other player on that roster to even begin discussing a deal for Lee.

I'll maintain belief that David remains a Knick. My guess? 5x$40M, with an opt-out after the third year. If the Knicks get him for less it's a bargain.

Now that the Lakers have Ron Artest -- the Lamar Odom thing still has to be addressed -- is it time for Mitch Kupchak to look into upgrading his backup guard position? Nate Robinson would be a good fit there for many reasons, starting with the fact that he would be a major upgrade over Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. Now . . . the issue is the Lakers don't have many options that fit the Knicks. Sasha Vujacic would work, but his contract extends into 2010-11. Would the Knicks take Adam Morrison's expiring deal? Nah.

Then again, those numbers might be too high for Robinson. A package of Farmar and Brown (about $3M), who both have expiring contracts, may be the better play. But then you are really log-jamming the backcourt with players. Remember, you still have Chris Duhon and also rookie Toney Douglas, on top of Morris Almond, who is likely to get a training camp invite.

But there is a belief that the Knicks will re-visit the Sacramento Kings scenario from the trade deadline. The Kings acquired Sergio Rodriguez from Portland before the draft so there could be something there with Robinson and Jeffries going to Sacto for, say, Rodriguez (RFA next summer) and Kenny Thomas' expiring contract in return. Just speculatin.

Enjoy the 4th. Be safe.

Alan Hahn talks Knicks, NBA free agency and the draft today in a live chat at 11 a.m.

A few thoughts on Jason Kidd from Mike D'Antoni (it's so rare when these guys can talk openly about other players):

On the notion that Kidd is starting to fade: "There'll always be that talk. I thought he had a great year this year. I though he played well. I think he was shooting better than he ever has. So there are a lot of parts of his game that are getting better . . . I think he's got another two or three years left in him at the highest level."

Really? Two to three more years? "At least. Stockton went until his was 40-something. Athletes today, there's a little bit of change and they can contribute in a lot of ways another four, five years. I don't think you ever know and at some point it's going to catch up with you, but he'll always be important for what he does with a team for a few more years to come, for sure."

Really-really? "I was always asked the same thing when we got Steve Nash at 32, does he have anything left? They have it left. They keep themselves in shape. Life has changed a little. And it's up here (points to his head). If you have it up here, you can go. He's still excited and hopefully a new challenge will help him to achieve more. Hopefully."

Donnie Walsh, do you agree with the 2-to-3 year projection? "Yeah. And he played very well this year, which is why Dallas wants to keep him."

Walsh paid Kidd the highest compliment when he said that Kidd "stands for everything that I'd like a basketball team to stand for . . . He has a way of bringing people together."

And yes, this first-day recruitment effort is a sign that the Knicks don't expect Steve Nash to be available to them in the near future. The Suns have until August to pick up his $13M team option. According to the Arizona Republic, the option is partially guaranteed for $8M, so there's absolutely zero chance the Suns don't pick it up. But does Nash agree to sign an extension?

Mark Cuban tried to keep Kidd off the market with a three-year committment, but, so far, Kidd hasn't accepted it. The Knicks have yet to make a formal offer to Kidd, but the parameters are pretty obvious (MLE) so really all that's left to discuss is the length. Will the Knicks commit to three guaranteed years?

The above quotes suggest they would.

* * *

Certainly seems the Memphis Grizzlies are out of any potential bidding for David Lee, if the Quentin Richardson-for-Zach Randolph deal gets done. The Trail Blazers seem to be committing their attention to Hedo Turkoglu and Andre Miller. Detroit appears to be locked in on Charlie Villanueva. Oklahoma City is still an option, of course, but Paul Millsap is out there as well.

Look, David was the NBA's second-leading rebounder and led the league in double-doubles. He's an underrated passer with a very high basketball IQ and an improving offensive game. So let's not try to devalue him here. We've discussed this scenario here before, but David could consider taking a one-year deal and going into unrestricted free agency in 2010, when more teams will have cap space and, of course, the Knicks would have his Bird Rights.

* * *

Remember, live chat tomorrow at 11 a.m.

If anything, today was a dry run for next summer, when it'll count. But the Knicks rolled out the Madison Square Garden red carpet for Jason Kidd, who was shown the amazing exhibit for the Garden renovation, presented a Knicks jersey with No. 5 and his name on the back and, of course, the Garden court, GardenVision with videos and his name echoing throughout the World's Most Famous.

It's been a while since the Knicks have made this kind of effort to recruit a free agent. And it sounds like they'll be doing it again with Grant Hill. According to a source, Hill is expected to make a visit to meet the Knicks next week.

These are obviously players in the twilight years of their careers -- Hill more than Kidd -- but at this point the Knicks know they aren't going to lure any of the prime players with the MLE. So the plan is to use the few assets they have to bring in quality, leadership and experience.

This is one way to set the table.

Yes, Cuban met with Kidd just after midnight. But Kidd still showed up to meet the Knicks at 10 a.m. this morning, which means there still isn't a deal with the Mavs, who can offer Kidd more money than anyone else can. As we've reported several times here (and in the print edition), the Mavs have already approached Kidd with a three-year deal worth $24M. Kidd didn't take it.

Is he using the New York angle to get Cuban to sweat out a few more mil? Or does Kidd figure he'll make up the difference in the MLE average by playing in New York?

If this truly isn't about the money, the Knicks believe they have a good chance to land him.

* * *

* - On the David Lee front: Walsh said he was in touch with Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, earlier this morning to begin negotiations. Lee has been in Indonesia for an NBA-sponsored function and is expected to be back in the U.S. this weekend.

There have been some unconfirmed rumors about Memphis preparing a big offer for Lee, but from what I understand the Grizzlies are under the usual budget constraints and, therefore, likely are not in the position to shovel $8M to $10M at David Lee. Again, we keep hearing OKC is targeting Paul Millsap. And Charlie Villanueva seems to be the target in Detroit. David's options, at least on the open market, may be dwindling.

But his best option has been and remains the Knicks, who will likely be willing to pay him up to $8M per.

* - So far Walsh hasn't been in touch with Andre Miller's representation, but that really may be a waste of time. Miller, 33, is out of their price range with the MLE. Portland has a strong interest and they're clearly going hard after Hedo Turkoglu as well.

* - Not to be overlooked is the summer league roster, which was released today. On it includes the usual suspects, Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas, and Patrick Ewing Jr., as we reported yesterday, and Alex Acker, another player we reported to be in the mix. No one beats us on summer league roster scoops, baby. (sigh)

Among the names on the roster is another intriguing player: Morris Almond. The 6-6 sharpshooter from Rice was on the Knicks radar in the 2007 draft, but Isiah Thomas went with Wilson Chandler. Almond was selected by the Jazz with the 25th overall pick and then struggled to break into Jerry Sloan's rotation. He did put up big numbers in the D-League and will get a long look in Vegas. I expect to see him in Saratoga for training camp.

* - Programming note: We'll do a LIVE CHAT here tomorrow at 11 a.m. to talk free agency and everything else. Be sure to join in and try to break last week's Newsday.com record. We had over 1,400 people following the chat.

Free agent Jason Kidd was at Madison Square Garden Wednesday morning for a two-hour meeting with Knicks president Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D'Antoni.

The 36-year-old point guard, who reportedly met with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban here in New York right after the free-agency period officially began at midnight, kept his scheduled meeting with the Knicks, which began at 10 a.m.

Kidd was seen walking with his agent Jeff Schwartz, Walsh and D'Antoni through the Garden lobby. Kidd waved but declined to comment.

The Knicks might agree to give up some of the valuable LeBron James cap space for 2010 to guarantee a three-year deal, which would be the maximum length contract they can offer.

The Mavericks, who had Kidd's rights up until midnight, have the ability to give him a maximum deal. And with very few options at point guard without him, a desperate Cuban announced via his Twitter account that he was flying to New York "for free agent meeting at 12:01."

Kidd, according to a source, has already turned down one offer from the Mavericks that went well beyond the midlevel at $8 million per over three years, though it is not clear if the third year was guaranteed.

The Knicks, however are very aware that Kidd's heart is in the New York area, where he still keeps an offseason home to be close to his three children.

Meanwhile, Walsh also has reached out to the representatives for restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson and planned to begin negotiations with both later Wednesday. Lee is in Indonesia for an NBA event.

I'm rolling out the 80s metal lately...

Mark Cuban flew into New York to catch Jason Kidd just after midnight, when the free agency period begins. His intention is to make his case with Kidd before the nine-time all-star meets with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni about taking a discount to join the Knicks.

Cuban may already know Kidd isn't that interested in returning to Dallas, where Rick Carlisle's control-oriented halfcourt sets aren't nearly as fun as D'Antoni's spread offense. But Cuban gave up Devin Harris to the Nets for Kidd a little over a year ago. If Kidd doesn't want to be a Mav, Cuban at least has to try to get him to accept a sign-and-trade scenario rather than to outright leave them in the dust.

The Knicks are very serious about this and, I'm told, so is Kidd, whose three children live in the New York area. Sure, his game is on a swift decline (As one NBA executive said, "He's on fumes.") but the Knicks need him for more than his incredible court vision and ability to run an offense. They need credibility.

Consider it like when the Mets targeted Pedro Martinez in 2005.

Just bloggin.

* * *

Try to avoid getting too caught up in the speculation involving David Lee. Yes, the Carlos Boozer situation does change the game some because the Pistons had him on their list and perhaps will now set their sights on Lee.

But keep in mind Paul Millsap, as a result of Boozer's decision to stay for one more year in Utah, may shake free and be another alternative for the Pistons. As for the notion that the Grizzlies and Thunder could blow the Knicks away with the offer, consider two things: 1. do you really expect these teams to throw $10M per at David Lee? 2. do you really expect Lee to leave the New York market for Memphis or Oklahoma City?

One thing is agent, Mark Bartelstein, said to me was that David "wants to be part of a winning situation."

Expect the Knicks to not give up so easily on him. Teams can make offers starting at midnight, but offer sheets can not be signed until July 8. The Knicks would then have seven days to match. Of the teams with cap space to sign Lee, you can see the Trail Blazers preferring a sign-and-trade scenario to protect their cap situation for next summer, when Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge will be restricted free agents. If the Blazers offer-sheet Lee at a high number, you know the Knicks, with tons of cap space, could always return the favor in 2010.

* * *

Another thing you can expect is for the Knicks to keep in touch with the Rockets about the Tracy McGrady situation, especially if the reports about Yao Ming are accurate to the point that his ankle injury could cause him to miss extended time. Would Rockets GM Daryl Morey consider Eddy Curry in a deal for McGrady? I'm told that would be a conversation starter. Perhaps Curry ($10.5M) and Cuttino Mobely ($9M, 80 percent insured) would be worthwhile for the Rockets.

For the Knicks, this scenario for McGrady ($23M expiring) would be a win-win mainly because you can move Curry's money off the 2010 ledger (and maybe result in Lee's contract having less of an impact) and though you'd likely have to wait a month into the season for him (shoulder and knee), he could show up determined to earn another big contract.

You need to see this video.

The Knicks have yet to finalize the roster for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, but one name that we did hear to be among the players expected to be there is Patrick Ewing, Jr.

The 6-6 forward was the final cut by the Knicks at the end of training camp and spent the season with Reno of the D-League. He injured his knee in March and did not finish the season. The hope is he will be ready to play in time for the first game, which is July 14 against Hasheem Thabeet and the Grizzlies.

Here's the schedule for those who wish to tune in to see Ewing Jr., or, of course, first round picks Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas.

Another player apparently on the roster is UNLV guard Wink Adams. I've heard soon-to-be former Clipper Alex Acker, who becomes a free agent tomorrow, is also a player the Knicks hope to have on Vegas for a long look.

The Knicks affiliation this season is now with a new team, the Springfield Armor. They share that team with the Nets and 76ers. The Knicks are still considering their own D-League team in the future, with Harlem as a potential site. But there has been no progress made on that front.

Some of you have approached me about a Tracy McGrady scenario with the Rockets that bears some consideration. With the Rockets concerned about Yao Ming, would they look at Eddy Curry in a deal with the Knicks? The indications I get are no, at least not as a primary option. Houston has contacted the Phoenix Suns about Amar'e Stoudemire. Should that deal with the Warriors fail, I believe there is good reason to think the Rockets would be a second option for the Suns, because T-Mac's deal is an expiring. The issue with him is his injury is expected to cause him to miss at least the first month of the season.

Speaking of Eddy...his financial woes continue, as reported here by the Chicago Sun-Times.

As if he didn't have enough motivation to get himself in the best shape of his life and have a great year so he can get himself another big contract.

[Cue the Ozzy madman laugh here]

By the way, is there not a better rock intro than the one in "Crazy Train"? It's rugged.

The song came to mind when David Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, gave me this quote when I asked him if he expected to hear from Donnie Walsh at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.

“The thing about free agency is the train don’t stop," he said. "It keeps moving. If you don’t act, you could get left behind.”

Crazy. But that's how it goes . . .

As we wrote in today's print edition of Newsday, Lee will be a priority for the Knicks to re-sign. He is looking in the $8M to $10M range, possibly more, and Walsh, who has the ability to match any offer, is likely to let the market set the price.

Lee expects to draw a lot of interest from those teams with cap space, such as the Trail Blazers, Pistons, Thunder and even Grizzlies. One thing to note, highlight and underline is that Bartelstein did say Lee wanted to remain a Knick and that he was looking to be part of "a winning environment." That may eliminate the Grizzlies and possible the Thunder.

Walsh may be surprised by the amount of sign-and-trade offers he gets for Lee over the next seven days. That will be the scenario to watch closely.

* * *

The Jason Kidd situation will be interesting and, as the Daily News reported, the Knicks intend to sit down with Kidd on Wednesday to discuss bringing him to New York. Kidd would have to take the mid-level exception -- somewhere around $5.6M -- which is far less than what the Dallas Mavericks have already offered to keep him (three years, $8M per). If the Cavaliers get wind that he'd be open to the MLE, they might give him a call, too. Kidd would be an upgrade over Delonte West and their depth in the backcourt would be better for both parties.

But there is a belief he may have more of an interest in coming back to the New York area, where his children live and where he resides in the offseason.

Let's rewind the tape from January, when we were in Dallas and Jason Kidd was talking free agency, which begins Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. and if he would consider the Knicks among his options:

“Yeah, why not? I’m going to look and see. Coach [Mike D'Antoni] is great. I got to know him a little bit this summer [at the Olympics]. D’Antoni is great, he has a great philosophy and I think people enjoy watching that."

People would enjoy watching it more if the team had all-star talents like himself. Kidd will be 37 when the season starts and his game is already deteriorating (perimeter defense is a major issue). But Kidd is still one of the best floor generals in the game with uncanny court vision. In D'Antoni's spread offense (as long as he was surrounded with shooters) he could continue to put up great numbers.

As one NBA personnel director, who has watched Kidd closely, said to me, "He's still a major asset at his age. Still makes teammates better, but a liability on defense against younger, quicker guards. Still sharp and smart defensively, though."

The Knicks need some credibility and leadership and Kidd still can provide both to a team with a young core. Let's also not overlook the fact that LeBron James loves playing with Kidd. And while that may suggest having Kidd on the roster could be considered another lure for LeBron in 2010, if Kidd would consider a mid-level exception (around $5.5 million) to play for the 32-win Knicks, why wouldn't he take the MLE to have a shot at an NBA championship with LeBron (and Shaq) in Cleveland?

One possible reason? Kidd's children live in the New York area.

The Mavericks apparently offered Kidd a three year deal for about $8 million per, but he turned it down. Mark Cuban is never one to get outbid, and money talks.

As for other free agents:

Donnie Walsh has indicated that he would be reluctant to spend the MLE (unless, of course, he can remove a contract off the 2010 ledger..meaning Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries), but for gits and shiggles, let's review some potential targets:

* - Andre Miller: A few years younger than Kidd and a bona fide leader, but has the same issues regarding defending against quick guards. His basketball IQ is coveted, so he should be able to get more than the MLE.

* - Ramon Sessions: The Bucks let Charlie Villanueva go into unrestricted free agency (they did not give him the necessary qualifying offer to maintain his restricted rights) because they wanted to have some cap flexibility and have the ability to keep Sessions. He may take an offer sheet from the Knicks because of style preference, but, again, the Knicks aren't looking to make any long-term committments at this point.

* - Carlos Delfino: The Raptors still maintain his rights as a restricted free agent (he spent the past year in Russia), but Toronto might be open to a sign-and-trade scenario. He would fill a need at the shooting guard spot, but, again, may have to accept a short-term deal.

* - Grant Hill: The Knicks would love his leadership and presence, but, again, there are contenders who feel the same and he likely would prefer a chance for a ring before he retires.

* - Villanueva: Would be a good fit in the pick-and-roll system, but as an unrestricted free agent, he will command more than the Knicks are likely willing to spend.

Now for matters closer to home:

David Lee and Nate Robinson will hit the open market on Wednesday. Both will get their fair share of interest and I believe the Knicks will discuss offers with both players. But it sounds like Lee is a greater priority, though that could change if the numbers aren't right.

Meanwhile, Paul Millsap, Utah's RFA, sounds like he wants to see what Lee gets and use that as his comparable.

Obviously there will be more to discuss on this front in the coming days.

So Donnie, you see the Cavaliers add Shaq, the Magic acquire Vince Carter, the Wizards pick up two major rotation players in Randy Foye and Mike Miller and even the Milwaukee Bucks (a borderline playoff team even with injuries) make a bold move for cap space to keep their core intact . . .

“How do I feel about that?" he interrupted. "I hope none of them work."

Probably not the marketing slogan to go with when selling tickets for 2009-10.

The draft-day selections of Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas are nice pieces, but neither are the centerpiece-type players this franchise needed out of the draft to immediately upgrade the team. So now Walsh and his staff has the rest of the summer to retool this roster that fell seven games out of a playoff spot last season.

Of course Walsh made it crystal clear the focus remains 2010 and for Knicks fans, that valuable free agency period is only a few months after what could be another season without a playoff berth. It could be a very empty May and June next year, especially without a first-round pick (what the hell are we going to talk about here?!).

The Utah Jazz, who own the rights to that unprotected pick, are the happiest of all to hear that the Knicks likely won't be making any aggressive moves this summer to jump into the playoff conversation in the ever-improving East. Perhaps John Wall's representation should begin now putting out hints that they have no interest in playing in SLC.

Let's take a look at the playoff contenders at this point in the East: Cavs, Magic, Celtics, Bulls, Hawks, 76ers, Heat and Pistons. A few teams that came very close (and are expected to be there again) are the Bobcats and Bucks. A team you can not discount if they remain healthy is the Wizards. That's 11 teams so far.

You perhaps can put the Knicks there at 12. And now name me the four teams out of that group that will fall out so the Knicks can get in.

One argument you can make from a Knicks perspective is they were very much in the conversation late in the season, but they were only because there were so many mediocre teams battling for that 8th spot. The Pistons were fading. The Bucks were decimated by injuries.

But the Knicks didn't have Danilo Gallinari -- arguably their best player if healthy -- and Chris Duhon was exhausted playing so many minutes early in the season with a shallow backcourt. Eddy Curry was never in shape and David Lee, at 6-9, was asked to play center. The team also didn't have enough perimter shooters.

OK, so how does any of that change? Gallo's health and durability will be under the microscope all season. As will Curry's conditioning (and ability -- make that willingness -- to run). Toney Douglas is a good grab as a late first-rounder, but we've heard his kind of rhetoric before (just rewind the tape on Nate Robinson). Where are the shooters? Darko Milicic has proven to be a backup center and, at least, you can say he's an upgrade over Jerome James.

But while Walsh and Mike D'Antoni speak optimistically about improving a 32-win team, their goal to make the playoffs this coming season is, at this early point of the summer, is far-fetched.

A lot of pieces have to fall in place this summer to improve this roster enough to be in the playoff conversation and still maintain the necessary cap space for next summer to be in play. The Nets made the decision that 2010 was more important that being a playoff also-ran, which is why the VC deal went down. They did land a solid role player in Courtney Lee and saved $16M in cap space a year from now, when Jay-Z can try to convince LBJ to come to Bk'lyn.

But here's the situation to watch closely: If LeBron signs an extention with Cleveland this summer, I think you will see the Knicks drop the plan and get aggressive. That doesn't mean they will give up any cap room for next summer, but they might be more inclined to spend some of it in a trade or with the mid-level exception.

As for the MLE, which is the only manner in which the Knicks can sign any of the free agents available this summer, Walsh said it would take a certain circumstance to use it. And that would be? “The ability," he said, "to know I can lose money somewhere else.”

That would mean, at the very least, Jared Jeffries and his $6.8M salary would have to be off the books for 2010-11.

We've discussed this issue several times over the past year and it will likely remain a topic of great debate (at least as long as LeBron is still a possibility in 2010). Had Walsh done nothing this season the Knicks may have been a playoff team, likely a borderline one and definitely not one that could have challenged for the East.

So, really, what is more important? Being a capped-out playoff also-ran or taking a methodical approach to rebuilding with an eye on landing the type of player that can make you an instant contender?

I've got some ideas. We'll talk about this more this week.

In the meanwhile...

Some info left on the cutting room floor from my column in today's Newsday:

The Knicks can entertain sign-and-trade discussions involving both Lee and Robinson on July 9, after the seven-day moratorium. There is expected to be a strong market for Lee, who led the NBA with 62 double-doubles, and there are teams with cap space that have an interest. The Pistons could attempt to sign him to an offer sheet if they do not go after Carlos Boozer and the Trail Blazers are also said to be in hot pursuit, but more likely in a sign-and-trade scenario.

For the Knicks to keep him, Lee and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, would likely have to agree to a back-loaded deal to protect the cap space in 2010. Walsh would also have to first find a way to move either Eddy Curry ($11.2 million against the cap in 2010-11) or Jared Jeffries ($6.8 million) off the roster to offset Lee’s contract, which could command up to $8 million per year or more. Consider the range of these comparables: Troy Murphy ($11 million), Andris Biedrins ($9 million) and Udonis Haslem ($7.1 million).

Paul Millsap, a restricted free agent with the Jazz, is said to be waiting for Lee to set the market for himself.

Robinson won’t command nearly as much in salary, but his popularity as an electrifying 5-9 guard and two-time Slam Dunk champion could be valuable as an attraction in some small markets. According to one league source, the Lakers inquired about Robinson’s availability after his 33-point performance at the Staples Center on Dec. 16. Kobe Bryant has expressed adoration for Robinson and owner Jerry Buss was said to be smitten after that game. The Sacramento Kings also were close to a deal for Robinson and Jeffries before the trade deadline and there are indications that the deal could still take place this summer.

Robinson had a breakthrough season statistically – career-high 17.2 points per game – but his ball-dominating, one-on-one mentality does not fit well in Mike D’Antoni’s system. The Knicks drafted a rugged point guard, Toney Douglas, the 29th overall pick on Thursday and are also in the market for a starting point guard with the plan to move Chris Duhon to a backup role this season.

The same could be said about Lee’s future with the selection of Jordan Hill with the eighth overall pick. The 6-10 Hill is a solid rebounder who has a good mid-range game and, unlike Lee, is a bona fide shot blocker. But the best-case scenario would be to be able to play them together and have some depth in the frontcourt.

The Knicks can re-sign their own restricted free agents, but their only tools for signing other free agents are with the mid-level and bi-annual exceptions. Neither will attract a high-end player such as Hedo Turkoglu or Lamar Odom, but there is an outside chance that New York could be alluring enough for 36-year-old Jason Kidd to consider it. Kidd is most likely to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks, but you can expect the Knicks to at least make the call.

Let's press pause on the the Rickypalooza for a moment to digest the fact that we've discovered that Spanish media outlets tend to get ahead of themselves when it comes to certain scoops. So the fact that Marca.com is saying the Knicks and Timberwolves are "in discussions" about a deal is very premature, especially if it involves one of the restricted free agents.

Donnie Walsh made it clear he will check into it and of course he should. But don't expect the Knicks to overpay to land Rubio or take on an unwanted contract just to bring La Pistola to New York. Remember, Rubio was not as high on the Knicks draft board as Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans or even Jordan Hill (so remove Hill from any trade scenarios with Minnesota, as well).

The Knicks obviously would be interested here because of Rubio's potential as a passer and his amazing court vision, but this will not be a mortgaging of the future, especially if it impacts the 2010 plan. Keep in mind that this is Rubio and his camp pushing for this. Also keep in mind that his father, who was the one who publicly said he would likely stay in Spain for a year or two rather than report to Minnesota, initially was against his 18-year-old son declaring for the NBA Draft this year in the first place. Pappa Rubio felt his son wasn't ready, so you can understand why his father is speaking so boldly about his son possibly staying in Spain for two years. That, according to a source, was one of the plans in mind when he declared. It all depended on where he landed.

And apparently David Kahn was aware of this when he made the selection, which is why he bought some insurance with Jonny Flynn at No. 6.

This one will keep smoldering for a bit. But I'm not feeling like it'll get too hot. In fact, K-Berg has a source saying it's a completely dead scenario.

* * *

* - Quote of the day from Toney Douglas, who says he's a tough guy: "One thing you can't coach is toughness." He's a very confident dude and the Knicks believe they got a steal at No. 29 for one of the ACC's top point guards. And if this guy isn't Nate Robinson's replacement, then they're going to have some entertaining head-to-head scrimmages in training camp. Douglas gets after it.

* - Hill comes from a pedigree of workers and his family story, which was outlined by Barbara Barker, is not something to overlook. He has some learning to do at the NBA level, especially on defense, where foul trouble is sure to be a major hurdle for a guy who loves to challenge shots. But if he can get out on the open floor and run, he will be tough. He can also play the pick-and-roll and knock down perimeter shots. David Lee's replacement? Not exactly. I can see the Knicks playing these two together as a 4-5 tandem in some scenarios.

* - It sounds like the Warriors do not want to include Stephen Curry in the Amar'e Stoudemire deal. Typical gong show there in Nellieland. I can't see Curry and Monta Ellis -- don't forget point-forward Stephen Jackson -- working together for long. Curry would be mainly a shooter there, a perimeter target and a third option (and once Amar'e comes, a fourth option). You won't get to see his PG skills and in the halfcourt he'll get murdered defensively. Now...do the Warriors instead move Monta Ellis? Very curious.

* - Just wanted to pass congratulations to those long-suffering Islanders fans who finally got to enjoy a rare proud moment in the NHL spotlight Friday at the NHL Draft in Montreal. Hopefully John Tavares is the cornerstone needed to rebuild this franchise. And if we learned anything about Garth Snow as a GM, it's that he has a flair for the dramatic. Great stuff.

* - A quick shout out to all of the Fixers who made this site blow up this week. How about a Newsday.com record of 1,400 followers for the live chat on Thursday morning and over 40,000 hits for the day for the coverage. We're hanging a banner for this one!

Thanks to the tireless Mike Rose, who still hasn't slept since the U.S. Open coverage, for his efforts, along with Barbara Barker, Chris Mascaro and David Cassilo, who took over the blog on draft night so I could handle the reporting/writing duties at the Knicks War Room. Great teamwork on the coverage.

Enjoy the weekend, Fixers. We've still got a lot more work ahead of us with free agency and potential trades, along with the NBA Summer League. We'll aim to do a live chat once a week through July.

Keep it poppin'.

OK, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. But this Ricky Rubio thing is more of a smolder. And on Friday Donnie Walsh blew on the embers to keep them glowing a little, though his rare transparency was curious.

On the day the Knicks introduced first round picks Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas to the media at the MSG Training Center, Walsh acknowledged that he planned to call his former protege, Timberwolves president David Kahn, to check in on the situation involving his decision to select two point guards -- Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn -- with back-to-back picks at No. 5 and 6.

“I haven’t spoken to Minnesota, I will," Walsh said. "I don’t know what’s going on there. He took a lot of point guards so I want to ask him, ‘Why did you do that?’ In a way that kind of helped us because that left us with two players that were, in our mind, really good players. I just want to find out.”

Walsh said Rubio was "very high" on the Knicks draft board but when asked if he would have selected the Spanish guard if he were there at No. 8, Walsh replied, “We would have considered a lot of people at eight, but tht would have meant that the guy that we got would have been gone.”

Multiple sources have said that Rubio was not as highly-regarded by the Knicks as Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans and perhaps not as much as Hill, whom some Knick scouts touted as the second-best player in the draft. But if there is a chance Rubio -- whose father told a Spanish media outlet that his son will most likely remain in Spain for two years (until his current contract with DKV Joventut expires) -- could be acquired for a relatively cheap cost, it's worth a look.

But before we explore the options, you should know that Kahn was on with Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio this morning and vehemently denied any intentions to trade Rubio. Kahn said he was quite aware that Rubio might decide not to report and that's why he took Flynn with the very next pick. The T-Wolves can play Flynn now and take their time dealing with the Rubio situation.

Rubio we're told was desperately hopeful he would somehow wind up with the Knicks and, apparently, is still holding out hope. It is pretty clear that he would immediately report if the Knicks acquired his rights.

But, though Walsh says he will check it out, it is still very unlikely to happen.

More on Hill and Douglas later on. Time to beat the Friday traffic home.

>> Click here for pictures of Jordan Hill

>> Click here to view photos of Gerald Henderson

Click here to view photos of Tyreke Evans

Click here to view photos of Stephen Curry

With the 52nd pick of the draft, the Pacers chose A.J. Price. He should immediately be in the mix for minutes with Indiana, as the team is unhappy with its point guard situation.

Price, like Danny Green, reached the Final Four last season. Now the two former Long Island stars will once again have their careers follow one another as they become division rivals.

Unlike Green, Price goes to a team with bleak prospects next season. Earlier in the night Indiana selected Tyler Hansbrough, a former teammate of Green's.

-David Cassilo