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For the Knicks, the choice is typical of what most teams are going through: trying to identify the players and contracts most unattractive to the Bobcats and other teams who might try to deal for the exposed veterans.
Among the players expected to be available will be Grant Hill of Orlando, Austin Croshere of Indiana, Jerry Stackhouse of Washington, and Dallas forward Antoine Walker.
Allan Houston, whose left knee hobbled him throughout the season and might require surgery, has a contract that will pay him $47 million over the next three years, including $17.5 million next season.
Hardaway and Anderson carry contracts that exceed their value. Moochie Norris, with three years and $12.7 million remaining, will also be left exposed, and the Knicks must also decide what to do with Cezary Trybanski, Dikembe Mutombo and Ot a Harrington for the final spot - all three possessing trade value.
While a player like Houston is obviously more important to the Knicks than Frank Williams, for example, the Knicks are aware that a young player with potential and a low salary is just what Charlotte is seeking.
The Bobcats hold the No. 4 pick in the draft, but they have openly looked to move up with that pick and a veteran plucked from the expansion draft as bait. The team will have just 66 percent of the salary cap that is allotted to the other 29 teams.

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