Andrea Bargnani could remain with the New York Knicks next season if he agrees to sign on the veteran’s minimum, according to reports.
READ MORE:
Knicks targeting younger free agents: Franchise thinking long-term future.
Jacksons says Knicks awful season could be god-send: Team president looking for positives.
Jackson expected to make Knicks front office changes: Changes at all levels of franchise expected.
The Knicks were heavily criticised for taking on the Italian in the trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, but instead of taking the opportunity to part ways this summer it appears as though they are likely to extend their partnership.
New York traded three Draft picks for Bargnani, and it is widely recognised that the best move for the franchise is to let him go in free agency and allow the team to move forward and improve next year as they look to strengthen the roster.
However, coach Derek Fisher will need to round out the roster with minimum salary players, and it is reported that the Knicks will keep the 29-year-old on for his offensive threat if they can get him on a veteran’s minimum.
While another team could out-bid them in the free-agency market, it is a strategy that they are willing to adopt in order to potentially keep hold of him, according to the New York Post.
Fisher recently suggested that he believes Bargnani is extremely talented but has been restricted by injuries, and he has shown in the closing stages of this season that he is a solid player.
However, he remained non-committal over his future and insisted that it would be great for the Knicks if he came back next year, but if he didn’t then he was adamant that Bargnani would produce wherever he lands.
After a 25-point, eight-rebound and four blocked shots performance against the Philadelphia 76ers recently, Bargnani is certainly out on the court trying to prove a point. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a lot more to get all the Knicks fans on board with such a move.
COMMENTS