[h3]Johnson to Knicks a done deal? [/h3]
12:04PM ET
[h5]Joe Johnson |
Hawks [/h5]
Earlier this week, we talked about how
Joe Johnson's agent, Arm Tellem, could influence his client's decision in free agency this summer.
And in that same note, we provided quotes from Johnson saying even though he's from a small town, he could see himself in a big city like New York.
Now here's the latest wrinkle from Frank Isola of the
New York Daily News: Tellem, Johnson and the Knicks may already have an under-the-table agreement in place for Johnson to sign with New York in the offseason.
Writes Isola: "There is a growing sentiment among opposing team executives that at the very least the Knicks will sign Atlanta's Joe Johnson, whose agent, Arn Tellem, orchestrated the
Tracy McGrady trade to the Knicks and has been friends with Walsh for 20 years. It's called a 'wink-wink deal,' and even though it is against NBA rules, the practice does exist and is nearly impossible to police. 'I think that's a done deal,' said one Eastern Conference GM."
If this is the case, take
Dwyane Wade -- who was a long-shot for New York in the first place -- off the Knicks' list, as two free-agent shooting guards doesn't make a ton of sense.
[h5]Ric Bucher[/h5]
If Knicks land two superstars, there's little money for rest of roster
"[Donnie Walsh] knows New Yorkers are convinced that he aims to land not just James but also another superstar from the pool of Dwyane Wade,
Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson,
Carlos Boozer and
Amare Stoudemire ... Problem is, say the Knicks did open the vault for James and superstar No. 2. That would leave roughly $30 million to spend on the other 10 roster spots. So wave good-bye to free agent All-Star and fan favorite
David Lee."