After the additions of 7-foot power forward Andrea Bargnani and first-round pick Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks are still looking to add a prototype small forward to their roster, in addition to a point guard.
According to an NBA source, the Knicks are pursuing Rockets free agent small forward Francisco Garcia and former Knick Matt Barnes. The Knicks traded small forward Steve Novak in the Bargnani deal and are not confident they can re-sign forward Chris Copeland.
The source said the 6-foot-7 Garcia, who was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in The Bronx, has interest in joining the Knicks. He averaged 10.7 points in the playoffs for the Rockets, who didn’t renew his option. (He also played with the Kings last season).
Garcia, drafted out of Louisville, is a good 3-point shooter and defender. The Knicks have their veteran’s minimum and their $3.19 million mid-level exception. They prefer to use the mid-level on a point guard, but one target, C.J. Watson, agreed to terms with the Pacers.
Will Bynum, Aaron Brooks, Devin Harris and Sebastian Telfair are some of the point guards the Knicks reached out to on the first day of free agency. They also sent out a feeler for former Knick Nate Robinson, but a person familiar with the team’s thinking said a reunion is highly unlikely.
* The under-the-cap Pistons have been mentioned as a potential big suitor for J.R. Smith, but a league source said Detroit’s interest isn’t strong. The Bucks also have reported interest, especially after losing Monta Ellis, who has opted out of the final season of his contract, worth $11 million. The Knicks can only offer Smith a contract starting at $5.5 million.
The Bucks had offered Ellis a three-year, $36 million extension, but he declined. The Knicks would be considered more than long hots to sway Ellis for the $3.19 million.
* Marcus Camby, part of the Bargnani deal, expressed his displeasure at how he was treated last season in a statement released by his agent. He also hinted at retirement.
“It’s unfortunate that I wasn’t given a meaningful opportunity to contribute last season in New York,” Camby said. “I was really looking forward to the coming year as a chance to show the organization what they missed out on last year, and pushing our team towards the Finals.’’
Camby hinted he doesn’t want to play in Toronto, where he was drafted.
“Given that my goal at this point in my career is to have a shot at a championship, however, I’ll have to evaluate my options going forward,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed a great career and under the right circumstances I hope to continue making an impact in the league.”