Maurice Evans (AP)
SHOOTERS’ GAME: The Knicks have designs on signing either Jamal Crawford (right), a former Knick, or Maurice Evans, both shooting guards who played last season in Atlanta. (Getty Images )
It’s down to either Jamal Crawford, Shawne Williams and a new name on their list, Maurice Evans, for the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception.
Have the Knicks been used in Crawford negotiations to drive up other bidders? They will find out today, when Crawford makes his decision. He has much-stronger offers from Sacramento and Portland, near his hometown Seattle.
If the Knicks are snubbed by Crawford and Williams, they will heavily pursue Evans, who spent a lot of time in Manhattan this summer and fall as a union negotiator and now could spend the winter in the Big Apple, too.
The Knicks have had dialogue with the reps for Evans since last weekend regarding their $2.5M exception. Evans is a defense-oriented shooting guard/small forward who would deepen the modest Knicks bench.
Evans has not been offered a deal from the Knicks yet as they wait on Crawford or Williams.
Portland and Sacramento also are bidding on Crawford with a two-year, $10 million offer and chance to opt out after the first year, according to an NBA source. If accurate, the Knicks are extreme darkhorses. Even if he intends to test free agency next year, he would be taking 50 percent less to play in New York.
There’s speculation the Knicks are being used to drive up the Kings’ price. Crawford’s agent Andy Miller was ticked at the Knicks for their Chauncey Billups treatment.
Crawford told The Oregonian late last night that his mother wants him to choose Portland, which is two hours from Seattle.
There’s also an SI.com report stating the under-the-cap Kings are willing to go as high as $6.5 million in the first year for Crawford.
“There’s pros and cons about the remaining teams I could be playing for this year,’’ Crawford stated in a tweet.
Their $2.5M offer — the best the Knicks can do — prompted Miller to try to work a three-team sign-and-trade, something he has been working on since Saturday, so Crawford could get more money.
Even without a three-team deal, the Knicks have been told they still are in the hunt because Crawford wants to play for a winner and also figures he would be more marketable next summer on a potential championship-calibre club, where he could put up decent numbers in coach Mike D’Antoni’s scheme.
If Crawford signs with Sacramento or Portland, the Knicks will hope to lure Williams, who is in New York working out. An NBA source said Williams, who had a solid season as the Knicks’ sixth man, has better offers from the Nets and Golden State.
D’Antoni spoke yesterday as if the Knicks had a real chance and talked of Crawford as the perfect sixth man.
“He’s really good in that role,’’ D’Antoni said. “He was Sixth Man of the Year — something he thrived in. If we’re lucky enough to have him, if we sit down and talk and that is the best solution, it’d be great. He’s shown he can be a great sixth man. We have to figure out what’s best for the team.’’
The starting backcourt now stands as Toney Douglas at point guard and second-year man Landry Fields at shooting guard. D’Antoni hasn’t ruled out Crawford as a starter but admitted he doesn’t want to shake up the mind of Fields or Douglas.
Evans strictly is a reserve — and potentially a good one, having played two seasons for assistant Mike Woodson in Atlanta when Woodson was head coach.
“Mo has always been undervalued, whatever team he goes he always ends up playing more than anticipated,’’ Evans’ agent Roger Montgomery told The Post. “New York’s like his second home now [after the lockout]. When you mention Evans and Jamal, Jamal has the stylish name but the Knicks need the substance. Mo gives them substance. I think he can be perfect for what they’re looking for — defense.’’
Williams, who fit in well to the system during an inspiring 2010-11 season and plays small forward and power forward, likely will decide today. He would add chemistry in this shortened training camp. Already, small forwards Carmelo Anthony and Bill Walker sat out practice yesterday. Anthony has a hyperextended knee and Walker has a strained groin.
“As a team we’d like to have Shawne back,’’ D’Antoni said. “He has to work out his end, we have to work out ours. ‘’
Meanwhile, the Knicks are monitoring the dire medical developments with Cleveland point guard Baron Davis, who left Cavs training camp for a second opinion and reportedly could have a herniated disk. Davis will be either waived through amnesty or possibly bought out. Even with the back issue, the Knicks could gamble on a one-year veteran’s minimum and hope Davis recovers.