66 games beginning on Christmas against those evil old dudes from Boston…
Although not official, it's been rumored for some time that the cap # this season would be just over $58 million and the tax threshold at over $70 million (similar to last year) with NO HARD CAP. Here's how the Knicks stand entering free agency next month…
$60.6 million for 9 players
Melo ($18.5), Amare ($18.2), Chauncey ($14.2), Turiaf ($4.3), Douglas ($1.1), Walker ($.9), Rautins ($.7) and Fields ($.7) PLUS Renaldo Balkman at $1.6.
Derrick Brown is a RFA with a $1M qualifying offer.
Expect the team to use the amnesty clause to cut Balkman without being on the hook for his money.
Add in first round pick PG Shumpert and 2nd round pick C Harrell and they have little money to spend. Actually, they'll be over the cap anyway so they will need to fill out the roster with MLE's and minimum offers.
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Much like before last season, a lot of the hype will be on the team being in a position next summer to sign either Dwight Howard or Chris Paul.
The only players they have signed for next season include Melo, Amare and a team option for Douglas (assuming they cut Balkman).
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Even with a short training camp, is it safe to say expectations for this team will be ONE PLAYOFF SERIES WIN and anything more is butter?
Although not official, it's been rumored for some time that the cap # this season would be just over $58 million and the tax threshold at over $70 million (similar to last year) with NO HARD CAP. Here's how the Knicks stand entering free agency next month…
$60.6 million for 9 players
Melo ($18.5), Amare ($18.2), Chauncey ($14.2), Turiaf ($4.3), Douglas ($1.1), Walker ($.9), Rautins ($.7) and Fields ($.7) PLUS Renaldo Balkman at $1.6.
Derrick Brown is a RFA with a $1M qualifying offer.
Expect the team to use the amnesty clause to cut Balkman without being on the hook for his money.
Add in first round pick PG Shumpert and 2nd round pick C Harrell and they have little money to spend. Actually, they'll be over the cap anyway so they will need to fill out the roster with MLE's and minimum offers.
------
Much like before last season, a lot of the hype will be on the team being in a position next summer to sign either Dwight Howard or Chris Paul.
The only players they have signed for next season include Melo, Amare and a team option for Douglas (assuming they cut Balkman).
-------
Even with a short training camp, is it safe to say expectations for this team will be ONE PLAYOFF SERIES WIN and anything more is butter?
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