Pablo Prigioni is back and Chris Copeland’s chances of remaining took a big hit.
Prigioni’s signing for a large portion of the mini mid-level exception hasn’t erased Copeland from the Knicks picture, but close.
Prigioni, the Argentine point guard, agreed to terms on a two-year contract in which he received $1.5 million of their mini mid-level exception in the first season. It was a bump from the Knicks’ original offer of $1.2 million. He has a third year non-guaranteed.
That affects the Knicks’ spending as they will have just $1.75 million left to match a Copeland offer sheet. More likely they will sign another free agent such as power forward Elton Brand.
Copeland’s agent, John Spencer didn’t rule out a return to the Knicks, but said he expects Copeland to get an offer above $1.75 million. Spencer said he spoke to Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni yesterday.
Spencer said the Lakers, Pacers and the Jazz are front-runners and even the Nuggets, where Copeland played college, are interested. The Lakers may have to wait on Dwight Howard, but have their mini mid-level. Spencer didn’t rule out the Knicks, saying Copeland could take less.
Prigioni got a little bump from the original offer as his two agents — international rep Claudio Villanueva and Dallas-based George Bass — convinced the Knicks Prigioni still had the Spanish League as an option.
“I am very happy to remain part of this great team,’’ Prigioni tweeted. “Thank you for the trust and support of all.’’
The Knicks made Prigioni a priority, showing they are leaning on new statistical analytics where Prigioni shines as a partner with Carmelo Anthony.
* The Knicks still want to sign a third point guard and Sebastian Telfair, for the vet minimum, is in their crosshairs. The Lincoln High School alum and cousin of Stephon Marbury could thrive at the Garden, in his ninth season. He played 59 games last season for Phoenix and Toronto.
“He certainly would consider the Knicks strongly,’’ agent Andy Miller said.
The Knicks also have contacted reps for Earl Watson, Will Bynum, Aaron Brooks and Devin Harris.