With Jason Kidd off the radar, the Knicks now can focus on another 36-year-old free agent, Grant Hill, who visits their Westchester compound today.
As expected, Kidd has made a verbal commitment to stay in Dallas, his agent Jeff Schwartz confirmed last night to The Post.
As much as Kidd wanted to light up the Garden, be near his kids and play for coach Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks were never serious contenders because they couldn’t make a competitive offer. The Knicks only could offer Kidd, 36, the mid-level exception for a maximum three years, totaling $18.2 million. Dallas’ offer was $25 million. Though Kidd will deny it, there’s speculation he used the Knicks’ interest to get the attention of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who spent yesterday with the point guard in Dallas.
The Knicks’ search for a point guard could be derailed unless Mike Bibby or Andre Miller fall through the cracks. The Knicks believe the Bucks would match a mid-level offer for Ramon Sessions. More bad news: Steve Nash, according to his agent Bill Duffy, will explore extension talks next week.
Hill, who visited the Celtics over the weekend, could be had for either the Knicks smaller exception worth $2 million or a portion of their $5.8 million mid-level exception. Hill played for Mike D’Antoni two seasons ago. D’Antoni called Hill “one of the best free agents out there.” and is pushing to sign him.
Knicks free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson have not signed offer sheets yet with another team. Portland is the lone team interested who can sign Lee outright without a sign-and-trade, but the Blazers are afraid the Knicks will match. Robinson has had inquiries from the Lakers, Magic, Bulls, Kings and Blazers.