Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE
With one guaranteed roster spot available, the New York Knicks are still looking for the final piece to help make them a championship contender.
Reports say the Knicks are coveting unrestricted free agent power forward Kenyon Martin, but he has yet to show mutual interest. The Knicks can only offer him the veteran’s minimum salary.
Martin averaged 5.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, but struggled, shooting 37-percent on his free throws in 42 games coming off of the bench. His career averages are 13 points and 7.1 rebounds shooting 63.3-percent on free throws in 696 games and 641 starts.
The addition of Martin would improve the depth at the power forward position for the Knicks who currently have Kurt Thomas and Chris Copeland as backups behind Amare Stoudemire. Marcus Camby can also play the power forward position, but he is expected to be Tyson Chandler’s backup at center.
It would be an interesting move if the Knicks were to persuade the 34-year old Martin to sign with them considering the older veteran players on the roster. Jason Kidd is 39, Pablo Prigioni is 35, Camby is 38 and Thomas is 39.
If the Knicks are unable to land Martin, the other power forwards the Knicks could consider are Lou Amundson, Chris Anderson, Brian Cardinal, Jeff Foster, Josh Howard, Juwan Howard, Yi Jianlian, Troy Murphy, Anthony Tolliver, Ben Wallace, Shawne Williams or Sheldan Williams.
The Knicks have also given Tracy McGrady a workout, but it’s not likely they’ll sign him unless Ronnie Brewer suffers a setback in recovery from his surgery.
