INDIANAPOLIS – From a negotiating standpoint, Knicks president Donnie Walsh got a break when David Lee did not make the All-Star Team, with the Knicks forward seeking a new contract this summer.
But Walsh seems unfazed. Walsh said it’s highly unlikely Lee will be traded at the Feb. 19 deadline and appears committed to re-signing him. Walsh said early in training camp he hoped to sign Lee to a contract extension by Oct. 31, but backed off after hearing agent Mark Bartlestein’s number – starting at roughly $10 million a year.
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Lee’s name came up during meetings this week that Walsh conducted with his entire scouting and personnel staff, reviewing the trade-deadline options, signings and the upcoming draft.
Walsh figured he wanted to see Lee play a full season and his averages of 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds has the Knicks president intent on signing him. Because Lee is a restricted free agent, the Knicks have all the control because they can match any offer sheet.
“That’s the key,” Walsh said.
Because most teams are gearing for the 2010 free-agent class and few teams are under the cap this summer, the Knicks don’t believe there will be a lot of whopping offers approaching $10 million.
Walsh said trade offers for Lee have dwindled.
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MSG Network will put a hidden microphone on D’Antoni during next week’s Lakers-Cavaliers-Celtics homestand.