Seems like Isiah is really thinking about grabing him up for the low level. I saw him play some when he was down here playing of UM and I really like him. He played some big minutes after Artest got suspended and put up some solid number. Not sure why we need another swing man but he is a low risk gamble,young and athletic.
http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/51322.htm

The Post has learned Thomas has two candidates, one of whom will be offered a three-year contract as early as today:

* James Jones, the Pacers' 6-foot-8 free-agent reserve swingman, whom Thomas drafted in the second round in 2003;

* and unrestricted free-agent center DeSagana Diop, a 7-foot, 280-pounder who played with the Cavs the last four years.

Whoever gets the offer, the Knicks will only be able to pay their lower exception (starting at $1.7M).

In announcing the amnesty waiving of Jerome Williams, who will likely retire, Thomas said he hopes to use that $1.7M lower exception on a young player.

Jones, 24, is a restricted free agent. The Pacers have the right to match any Knick offer, but likely won't because of a budget mandate, and because they drafted Danny Granger.
The rangy Jones, out of the University of Miami, appeared in 75 games, averaging 4.9 points in 17 minutes, taking advantage of Ron Artest's suspension. He's a solid 3-point shooter who can play three positions — shooting guard, small forward and power forward.

The Knicks and Pacers discussed a sign-and-trade involving a third team, allowing Jones to earn more. The Pacers are looking for a trade exception or pick.

Pacer president Donnie Walsh said he has yet to receive an offer sheet.

"Offers have been made but we haven't accepted any offer yet," agent Joel Bell said.

Detroit, San Antonio, Denver and Phoenix have pursued Jones, too. Jones has received higher per-year offers, but the Knicks are expected to win out because their package was longest term.

"A player who wants to improve will have to look hard at any team coached by Larry Brown," Bell said.

Diop, 23, came to the Cavs out of high school at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia in 2001. Last year, he averaged one point, 1.8 rebounds and 7.8 minutes in 39 games. He's already worked out for Thomas.

"Those are the kind of players we're looking to always find," Thomas said. "We're not necessarily looking to spend $10 million. We'd like to add a younger type player to continue what we're building here. You've heard the mantra, getting younger, more athletic, whether on the wing or up front, players who play multiple positions."

Thomas also has inquired about Wizard free-agent PG Steve Blake.

Meanwhile, Williams is to meet with Thomas tomorrow and has been offered a job in scouting, community relations or at MSG Network. He also may have a knee or foot issue that requires surgery.

Waiving Williams saves $21 million in luxury tax. Houston's release would have saved $39.8M but the Knicks believe he will retire if he's not ready soon after training camp.

[Edited by - starks3 on 08-16-2005 02:22 AM]

[Edited by - starks3 on 08-16-2005 03:01 AM]

while we're at it lets trade for Steve Francis. he's a young, athletic, versatile combo guard but in all serious this would be a good signing problab;y better than wasting a roster spot on diop

[Edited by - gunsnewing on 08-16-2005 02:41 AM]

I would take him over Diop any day.

Posted by Bonn1997:

In announcing the amnesty waiving of Jerome Williams, who will likely retire

Wow! If JYD has an injury bad enough to force him to retire, that changes my reaction to using the clause on him.

Actually the fact that he is considering retirement is making me feel a little worse about releasing him. If he retired because of injury, we get the exemption, and clear a spot. We quite possibly COULD have cleared the PF glut by 2 spots if we cut Mo or Malik and Jerome then retired....the savings then would have been ENORMOUS (JYD's injury would get paid 80% by insurance, and we save the 20 mil on Taylor).

IN a perfect world can youm imagine If Jerome retired, we cut, MO, and then Allan retired. We have the room to sign BOTH James and Diop and maybe keep Butler?

JJ/Diop/Butler(?)
Sweetney/Frye/Lee
TT/Ariza/James
Q/Craw
Steph/Nate

[Edited by - joec32033 on 08-16-2005 07:54 AM]

it is weird. Even more reason to waive Shandon and just let JYD retire. Knicks would save $1.5mm more that way

So waiving one 6 8 player who can play SF and PF to sign another one who is worse makes all the sense in the world. Incredible. But I guess if you were an Indy scrub at some point with IT, you shall be on the Knicks ala Sundov and Brewer.

So Layden bringign in his Utah scrubs is bad, but IT gets the pass? No way. I blasted Layden for it and I will balst IT for it.

Say no to drugs and favoritism lol.

Posted by simrud:

So Layden bringign in his Utah scrubs is bad, but IT gets the pass? No way. I blasted Layden for it and I will balst IT for it.

Say no to drugs and favoritism lol.

I understand what you are saying but you have to remember, Layden's guys were 28, 29 when he was bringing them in...James Jones is 23(?)....Layden's guys were also 6-6, 6-7....James Jones is 6-9ish...I am all for bringing in James Jones, but I am more excited about Diop. Seriously, to me, we are stocking up with TOO much young talent and we are going to spread this developmental process real thin, I look at the Clippers for an example when they had nothing but 20 yr olds on their team and NONE of them shot out until after they left, if they came out at all...

Posted by simrud:

So Layden bringign in his Utah scrubs is bad, but IT gets the pass? No way. I blasted Layden for it and I will balst IT for it.

Say no to drugs and favoritism lol.

PLEASE! Who has isiah brought in?

Bruno Sundov and Jermaine Jackson?

Vs. Shandon & Eisley on a combined $70m+ over several years?

James Jones is not a bad player, he can shoot a little, is very long and plays defense... not bad at all...

Layden's utah scrubs were bums, whereas Isiah is bringing in players that'll actually help the team. No one can nitpick that.

Thank God for progress!