In today's Knicks rumors roundup, the New York Knicks will retain the services of center Andrea Bargnani as he decided to exercise his player option for the 2014-15 NBA season.
Amare/Bargnani obviously opting to stick with their current contracts while Knicks brace for word tomorrow that Melo is indeed opting out
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 22, 2014
Bargnani averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game before an elbow sustained on January 22nd against the 76ers sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Per ESPN's Ian Begley, the New York Knicks fan base didn't exactly miss him while he was gone:
As for Bargnani, 92 percent of the 12,836 readers who voted would like to see him in another uniform next season. ... The Knicks would need to trade Bargnani or buy him out if they want him off the team before the 2014-15 season opener.
Bargnani struggled to find his footing in his first season as a Knick. His numbers were solid, but there are other stats that show the Knicks were a better team when Bargnani was on the bench. New York was 15-27 when he was healthy; the Knicks went 22-18 after he suffered a season-ending elbow injury.
Anthony's asking about the Windy City
According to ESPN's Begley, Anthony has asked at least one major Chicago personality what it entails to be famous in Chicago.
In return, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has reportedly been speaking with several of Anthony's former coaches in order to see if the team can provide a fit for Anthony.
Either way, the situation will continue to gain steam and interest with Anthony officially deciding to opt out and become a free agent.
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