Some notes as we approach free agency at 6:00 p.m.:
He Knicks They have virtually no interest in trading Miles McBride as part of the Mikal’s Bridges According to people familiar with the matter, the acquisition could be a big coup for the Knicks. Remember, the Knicks still need to add money to that trade to avoid being hit with a strict salary cap on the front line. The current version of the trade would leave them limited to a team salary of around $178 million. They’re surely looking for ways to get around that strict salary cap. They can do this by paying more salary in the Bridges trade than they are receiving.
Heading into free agency, the Knicks are pleased with their ability to add salary to the Bridges trade.
The team has maintained dialogues on operations involving Jericho Sims, According to sources. Sources confirm that they picked up Sims’ team option for 2024-25. The news was first reported by the New York Post. The club likes Sims and he could serve as a backup if there is movement at the center position.
CENTRAL POINT
Speaking of that position, as first reported by SNY, Isaiah Hartenstein He is expected to receive multiple significant offers in free agency. Those offers make it highly unlikely that the Knicks will be able to retain him. NY The Knicks have Hartenstein’s early rights and can offer him a salary starting at $16.1 million and a maximum of four years and $72 million. As SNY first reported, Hartenstein is expected to have long- and short-term offers worth significantly more than what the Knicks can offer. So Hartenstein, who is hitting free agency after a strong season, would have to accept significantly less money to remain in New York.
He magic of orlando They are among the teams that are being aggressive with Hartenstein.
Therefore, the Knicks might have to find a backup center in free agency. As we’ve noted, André Drummond, Goga Bitadze, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Nick Richards are among a group of big men on New York’s radar if Hartenstein signs elsewhere. Drummond is expected to receive interest from multiple teams, as is Bitadze.
FURTHER SIX SPACE?
Another note as we approach free agency: the Philadelphia 76ers are interested paul georgeAs we all know, in the hours leading up to free agency, the Sixers were exploring ways to create more cap space to add players beyond George, according to people familiar with the matter. One of the many ways they can do that is to waive a player whose salary is not guaranteed for 2024-25.