Wilson Chandler will not get a contract extension by tonight’s deadline for 2007 first-round picks, Knicks president Donnie Walsh said yesterday.
As a result, Chandler will become a restricted free agent in July.
“We will wait until the year is over,” Walsh told The Post. “It has nothing to do with Wilson. We want him. It has to do with the fact that there will be a new collective bargaining agreement and we are not sure what impact it would have.”
Chandler has become an early candidate for sixth man of the year honors and could emerge as a potential pawn in a Carmelo Anthony deal. He has been the Knicks’ best player since his demotion to the bench to start the season, averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds in three games. Chandler was the starting shooting guard in preseason but played passively.
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Eddy Curry
was excluded during Saturday’s elaborate player introductions during the home opener — the lone Knicks player not presented. But the embattled center still plans to make his return to practice today.
Curry has not practiced since the second day of training camp when he strained his hamstring. A Knicks official said Curry was in the locker room during intros and the game.
It is unclear whose decision it was to not be introduced. The other 14 players were introduced separately amidst a laser-light production. Curry, whose expiring contract is a trade asset, likely would have been booed heavily.
As reported here, Anthony Randolph
also should return to practice today, one week ahead of schedule. He missed the first three games with an ankle sprain.