The Knicks last night were on the verge of signing 7-foot-1 Russian free-agent center Timofey Mozgov, according to a source. The anticipated three-year,
$9 million deal would eat up the rest of their cap space.
However, the Knicks are still waiting for clearance papers from FIBA and his Russian team, according to the source.
The Knicks worked out the 24-year-old the past week and were hoping word would not get out. The Knicks must pay his Russian team Khimki $500,000.
It was a closely guarded secret they were courting the Russian. Yesterday morning, a team official was asked by The Post about rumors they were ready to sign a 7-foot Russian center and he confirmed it, but would not reveal the name.
“I don’t want another team coming in and swooping him up,” the official told The Post.
One scout said of Mozgov that he was a proficient inside-outside center, perfect for Mike D’Antoni’s system.
He averaged six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes per game last season for Khimki. Though he didn’t log a lot of minutes, the standard in Russia is for young centers to be brought along slowly. After the Knicks’ post-LeBron James’ maneuverings, they had $3.2 million left under the salary cap and needed a center for their roster. They may still have enough left for a minimum signing.
According to a person familiar with the Knicks’ thinking, the club will explore trading Wilson Chandler, possibly packaging him with the expiring contract of Eddy Curry. The Knicks would love to trade for a premier outside-shooting big man.
Chandler, who has had ankle surgery two straight offseasons, has a contract the Knicks likely will move to be enough under the 2011 salary cap for a maximum contract. The addition of versatile forward Anthony Randolph and swingman Kelenna Azubuike makes Chandler more expendable for a roster lacking size. The Knicks don’t believe Chandler can handle shooting-guard duties.
The Knicks have had internal discussions about shooting guard Rasual Butler, but they didn’t have enough room. They were looking at centers Theo Ratliff and Tony Battie in case the deal with the Russian didn’t work.
“It’s not a bad thing not to spend all the money we have under the cap,” team president Donnie Walsh said. “It’s early July. We’ll spend the rest of the summer looking for ways to improve the team.”
*
New point guard Raymond Felton said on South Carolina TV, “I’m bringing a warrior. I’m a true point guard. I make everybody better and try to make everybody better. They’re definitely getting a warrior.” Walsh said Felton will add “toughness” and D’Antoni said he’ll bring “grit.” . . . The Knicks’ summer league team begins tonight in Vegas vs. the Lakers, with second-rounder Andy Rautins, Landry Fields and center Jerome Jordan making debuts. . . . Despite swirling rumors he’ll finally add to the front office because he is bound to a wheelchair, Walsh repeated he’s not hiring a GM at this time. “I am not hiring now,” Walsh said. “Because I do not have a job open.”