The New York Knicks made the first big splash of the offseason by trading for Derrick Rose, and they can still add another high-level free agent or two with the good deal of cap space they have. They're targeting all the big names on the open market, specifically Kevin Durant, but are casting a wide net as they try to fill out the rest of the roster. Here are all the latest Knicks news and rumors you need to know:
Carmelo Anthony pitching Durant on Knicks
The Knicks have been hoping to pursue Durant this offseason, but he doesn't seem to be interested since he has no meeting planned with the team. However, that doesn't mean he won't be hearing their recruiting pitch. ESPN's Marc Stein reports that Carmelo Anthony is doing his best to talk to Durant about joining the Knicks while both play for Team USA at the Olympics this summer:
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony told ESPN on Monday that his recruitment of marquee free agent Kevin Durant has already begun and will not be affected "whether he meets with the Knicks or not."
"I'm with KD now; he's right downstairs," Anthony told ESPN in an interview that will air later Monday on SportsCenter. "We've been together. We've been talking.
"I do consider myself part of the Knicks," Anthony continued, "so that meeting has already taken place."
New York wasn't expected to make a serious run at Durant, but they have ramped up their pursuit after acquiring Derrick Rose.
New York targeting Timofey Mozgov?
The Knicks have made Joakim Noah one of their top targets in free agency, but they have a backup plan if they lose him to either the Timberwolves or Wizards. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, New York is also interested in Cavs cenver Timofey Mozgov:
The Knicks are interested in Joakim Noah, but he isn’t the only big man on their radar. Another center some in the Knicks organization are high on is Timofey Mozgov, per league sources. The interest between Noah and the Knicks is strong and mutual. But Mozgov, an ex-Knick, provides an interesting alternative. With Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis on the roster, the Knicks probably won’t need a high-scoring center. Mozgov doesn’t need touches and would provide mobile rim protection and rebounding. He also compares favorably to Noah in some categories (age: Mozgov is 29, Noah is 31; recent health: Noah was limited to 29 games last season due to a left shoulder injury).
Mozgov dealt with a heavily reduced role in Cleveland under head coach Tyronn Lue, but he is just one year removed from averaging 10.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game - including 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the 2015 NBA Finals.
Knicks interested in Jamal Crawford
Crawford has been a crucial player for the Clippers over the past four seasons, but several teams are interested in signing the 36 year old this summer, reports the Orange County Register:
Crawford, who does have a meeting scheduled with the Clippers, is also drawing interest from a number of teams in search of a scoring guard. Crawford is expected to receive interest from the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets in addition to the Clippers.
“I definitely have to keep an open mind and see what’s out there,” Crawford said. “That’s why you’re in this position. My preference, like I’ve said from the get go, is to go back to the Clippers. But, I’m definitely very, very open-minded about the whole free-agency process.
It doesn’t have to be a team that’s a contender. I don’t want to go to a team that’s only won a few amount of games, but it doesn’t have to be a contender. At the end of the day, only one team wins. You want to put yourself in the best position to try and win.”
Crawford averaged 14.2 points and 2.3 assists per game last season.
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