The Knicks gave themselves some depth in their frontcourt by re-signing veteran big man Kenyon Martin to a one-year deal yesterday.
With Martin in the fold, the Knicks have a fourth big man to go along with starting center Tyson Chandler, newly acquired Andrea Bargnani and the perpetually injured Amar’e Stoudemire.
The Knicks had previously tried to sign free agent Elton Brand, but once Brand opted to sign a one-year, $4 million deal with the Hawks, they turned back to Martin.
After Martin, 35, went unsigned last summer, he agreed to a 10-day contract with the Knicks in February, and was subsequently signed for the remainder of the regular season. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 18 regular-season games (11 starts) with the Knicks, and 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12 playoff games this spring.
Now the Knicks have 12 players under contract heading into training camp. General manager Glen Grunwald has said the Knicks may leave a roster spot or two open heading into camp, giving them the option of signing training camp invitees.
Two players who could be possibilities are guard Toure Murry and center Jeremy Tyler, both of whom played for the Knicks’ summer league team in Las Vegas.
It is still possible the Knicks will pursue another guard in free agency with one possibility being Bobby Brown. After Brown was the top scorer in the Euroleague last year averaging 18.8 points per game for Montepaschi Siena, he has attracted interest from NBA teams.
* The rumors have already started about what might happen if Carmelo Anthony opts out of his contract next summer, but Anthony is doing his best to stop the speculation.
During a promotional tour in China, Anthony was asked by a TMZ reporter about the possibility of joining the Lakers after the 2013-14 season.
“I doubt it,” Anthony simply said.
Los Angeles currently has only one player, Steve Nash, making more than a minimum contract that season as the Lakers prepare to chase the elite free agents in what should be a star-studded class.
It is quite likely Anthony will opt out of his contract next summer because if for no other reason than it makes financial sense to do so even if he wants to remain a Knick. if he does, he can sign a five-year deal to stay, something he can not do if he just agrees to an extension.
The Knicks will be able to offer an extra guaranteed year and more than $20 million more than any other team in guaranteed money next summer if Anthony tests free agency.