On the list of mid-range free agents who will pique the Knicks’ interest is defensive guard Raja Bell, a former Sun and a coach Mike D’Antoni favorite.
There’s a chance the Knicks could give Bell a late-season tryout. According to an Oakland Tribune report, the Warriors could waive Bell, who is recovering from left wrist surgery, because they need a roster spot. Bell probably wouldn’t be healthy until the final four games.
Asked if he would consider it, team president Donnie Walsh told The Post, “If we did do something like that, it would be to show we liked him.”
Walsh is close to Bell’s agent, Herb Rudoy, and a summer match definitely looks to be in play if the Knicks still have some cap room. The Warriors, even if they waive him, also are interested in re-signing Bell, according to the report.
*
Jonathan Bender, who will have season-ending surgery on his broken left ring finger today, sounded like he might call it a career again.
“I feel my comeback was done,” Bender said. “I came back. That’s what I set out to do all last summer. I made it happen. I made it back on the court. Where it goes from there, I’m not too worried about.”
Walsh said he will talk to Bender soon and wouldn’t rule out inviting him back.