ducks
07-07-2006, 09:39 AM
http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks...rc_be rman.htm
July 7, 2006 -- LAS VEGAS - Isiah Thomas is expending more energy on the basketball court coaching the Knicks than on the phone lines during July's free-agency period.
In a giant departure, Thomas is being passive with free agents while teams including Chicago and Toronto make bold moves. The whole thing reeks of James Dolan finally putting a cap on Thomas' NBA-high payroll.
Thomas feels the team is good enough as constituted to make the playoffs. Kenyon Martin is still being shopped as fervently as ever by the Nuggets, but the Knicks are more lukewarm than ever because of his massive contract. Thomas isn't sure he'll use his $5 million mid-level exception, a telltale sign Dolan isn't keen on adding to the payroll.
"We have our eyes on a couple of situations," Thomas said. "We're not chasing anything. I'm pretty comfortable with what we have. It's definitely going to be tough. Everyone's getting better. We have to develop and get better from within."
Thomas has to decide whether to re-sign his two free agents, Jackie Butler and Qyntel Woods. Thomas can choose only one because both signings would put the team at 16 guaranteed contracts, one over the league maximum. Re-signing Butler is the priority, as Jerome James insurance.
July 7, 2006 -- LAS VEGAS - Isiah Thomas is expending more energy on the basketball court coaching the Knicks than on the phone lines during July's free-agency period.
In a giant departure, Thomas is being passive with free agents while teams including Chicago and Toronto make bold moves. The whole thing reeks of James Dolan finally putting a cap on Thomas' NBA-high payroll.
Thomas feels the team is good enough as constituted to make the playoffs. Kenyon Martin is still being shopped as fervently as ever by the Nuggets, but the Knicks are more lukewarm than ever because of his massive contract. Thomas isn't sure he'll use his $5 million mid-level exception, a telltale sign Dolan isn't keen on adding to the payroll.
"We have our eyes on a couple of situations," Thomas said. "We're not chasing anything. I'm pretty comfortable with what we have. It's definitely going to be tough. Everyone's getting better. We have to develop and get better from within."
Thomas has to decide whether to re-sign his two free agents, Jackie Butler and Qyntel Woods. Thomas can choose only one because both signings would put the team at 16 guaranteed contracts, one over the league maximum. Re-signing Butler is the priority, as Jerome James insurance.