Yes, the Knicks need a defensive center, but if they can’t lure a good one with their restrictive one-year offers, they may finally get Grant Hill on the team.
Yes, the Knicks are chasing Hill again. Two years ago, they made a bid for Hill, offering a one-year deal, and lost out to Phoenix. The same scenario can play out again, because the Suns want him back.
Yesterday was the first day agents were allowed to talk to NBA teams about free agents, and the Knicks spoke with Hill’s rep. Hill made a recruiting visit to the Knicks two years ago but turned down their one-year offer for the full mid-level exception, $5.8 million, and accepted Phoenix’s two-year, $6.4 million offer.
Players can’t make recruiting visits until next week when the collective bargaining agreement is finalized.
Coach Mike D’Antoni still loves Hill’s veteran presence, versatility and defense. As much as the Knicks need a center, they may not get the one they want and already failed with Houston’s 6-foot-6 scrappy rebounder Chuck Hayes.
The Knicks reached out to Hayes’ reps yesterday, but a source said Hayes’ agent rebuffed a one-year deal at the full $5 million mid-level the Knicks have to offer.
“A lot of guys the Knicks want are two-year-deal guys,’’ one source said. “It will be tough.’’
The Knicks are offering only one-year deals to protect 2012 cap space for a potential free-agent bonanza headed by Chris Paul, Dwight Howard and Deron Williams.
The Knicks may have to take the best player available willing to sign for one year, and Hill is a possibility,
Knicks brass also inquired about Dallas’ small forward Caron Butler, but so did a number of teams. Nobody is offering one-year deals for the 32-year-old, two-time All-Star, and Dallas has expressed interest in a multi-year offer for Butler.
Hill, at 39, is the second-oldest player in the league next to, ironically, Kurt Thomas, who also is on the Knicks’ radar at center.
The Knicks also reached out to reps for Hornets center Aaron Gray and Kwame Brown. Gray, as a young player, also may command a two-year deal. Brown could still be in play, though.
The Knicks may lose out on Thomas to the Bulls. Thomas’ agent, Jerry Hicks, told The Post earlier this week the Bulls were his top choice because they are closer to a championship than the Knicks.
Ironically, the Suns general manager is Lon Babby, who two years ago was Hill’s longtime agent and steered him to Phoenix. Hill, still represented by Babby’s law firm, has always expressed a strong desire of playing in New York. Babby told the Arizona Republic he wants to bring Hill back to show his young players the way during this transition. Clearly the Knicks are closer to having a special year than Phoenix.
“Grant is an absolute first order of business and top priority,’’ Babby said.
If Hill signs with the Knicks, that probably would spell the end of Shawne Willilams’ solid one-year stint in New York. Knicks interim GM Glen Grunwald wants to bring Williams back, but only at the vet’s minimum for a player of his service — $990,000. Deals can’t be finalized until Dec. 9.
Happy Walters, Williams’ agent, said he received calls from four clubs yesterday and expects offers to top the Knicks’. However, it’s possible the 6-foot-8 Williams could stay for a little less.
“He loves New York, loves Mike, gets along great with STAT [Amar’e Stoudemire]; it’s his first choice,’’ Walters said. “I think he’s the best 3-point shooter on the team. ’’
With the center situation up in the air, Jared Jeffries likely will be re-signed. His agent, Andy Miller, spoke with Grunwald yesterday. (Miller also represents Gray). Jeffries probably would be signed for the $1.4 million veteran’s minimum or the $1.9 million biannual exception.
“We talked a lot about role and his minutes,’’ Miller said. “He’s loved New York and has a strong relationship with Mike.’’
Jeffries was out of rhythm after they re-signed him in March after being out of the rotation for the Rockets. But big men are hard to come by.