POINT OF CONCERN
Knicks lose out on top targets, Hill, Rose stay in their sights
ORLANDO, Fla. — Phil Jackson and the triangle are no longer here, but that didn’t enhance the Knicks’ chances of landing the top two point guards on their wish list: Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague.
With their top choices off the board, the Knicks quickly moved on, still seeking their first splash of free agency. Their only noise so far was re-signing combo guard/cult hero Ron Baker.
According to a source, the Knicks still are in play for Utah point guard George Hill, but at $16 million of cap room, they probably don’t have enough to get it done, either. That increased Derrick Rose’s chances of a return as the Knicks point guard, as the club is at the top of his list, and he is willing to take less to stay rather than relocating, according to a source.
To open more space for Hill, the Knicks are looking to trade shooting guard Courtney Lee’s contract, as they were doing for Teague and Holiday. Lee makes $12 million next season. Kyle O’Quinn’s $4.1 million pact also was being shopped.
Teague made a quick decision to sign with the Timberwolves at midnight Saturday on a three-year, $57 million deal. On Saturday morning, Holiday agreed to terms on a fiveyear, $126 million pact with the Pelicans, who were desperate to keep him. The Knicks had set up a meeting with Holiday for the weekend if he didn’t come to an agreement in his midnight meeting.
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek, who admitted he isn’t certain “of the direct plan’’ for the post-Jackson future, admitted free agency has been too rich for their blood to date.
“I don’t know how much money we have, $16 million, and these guys are making 30 now,’’ Hornacek said. “If you look at it that way it doesn’t look likely [of signing a big name]. There’s good players out there and I’m sure we’re looking at them to help us out.’’
One optimistic note is Paul George’s trade to Oklahoma City could lead to Carmelo Anthony being pursued by Cleveland and Boston. The Rockets were put on hold by the Knicks in their pursuit because the team doesn’t want to make a move until Jackson’s successor is decided.
Meanwhile, Denver and Indiana also are in the mix for Hill. Hill played for the Pacers and IUPUI and is an Indianapolis native. “Denver and Indiana are a little more further along,” one NBA source said of the hunt.
Even though they want to get younger, the Knicks still have interest in resigning Rose, if the price is right. No other immediate suitors were reported, increasing their chances. Because of Rose’s fourth knee surgery in April, league executives believe his market value is set at the $10 million-$12 million range.
Hornacek has never been a big Rose fan — he doesn’t shoot 3-pointers or the smart extra pass. However, he may be the best they could do, putting up healthy numbers (18.0 points, 4.4 assists) that were overshadowed by his fourth knee surgery in five years in April.
“Management’s working on that,’’ Hornacek said. “We’ll see on that one if he’s back or not.’’
It almost would seem Hornacek would prefer just going with their young guys at the point — Baker, who finished the year as the starter, and lottery pick Frank Ntilikina, who already is injured and will miss at least the first two games of summer league.
“I’ve yet to see Frank play,’’ Hornacek revealed. “You don’t want to throw him out there to the wolves. Maybe he’s a guy who can handle it. I don’t know. I’m not sure the direct plan. Whether we’re rolling with some of the young guys. We got a pretty good young nucleus to build with.’’
Sources have indicated that since the season ended, Rose truly wants a second chance — probably now more than ever with the triangle on life support. The Knicks don’t think Ntilikina is ready to start.
The Knicks didn’t reach out to newly minted free agent Rajon Rondo or Darren Collison.
The Knicks also have made contact with Sacramento shooting guard Ben McLemore, point guard Michael-Carter Williams and shooting guard Dion Waiters. Another target was swept up quickly when Shaun Livingston re-signed with Golden State.