Knicks, Lee still at impasse
Posted on: August 3, 2009 5:45 pmScore: 179Log-in to rate:Log-in to rate: Log-in to rate: David Lee's existence in the NBA's purgatory known as restricted free agency has entered its second month, and negotiations with the Knicks are "nowhere new," the power forward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Monday.

The Knicks are "open minded" and "willing to listen," said Bartelstein, who continues to seek sign-and-trade possibilities that are severely limited by the dearth of teams with cap space and Lee's status as a base-year compensation player -- which makes it more difficult to match salaries in a trade. Running out of options, Bartelstein and Knicks president Donnie Walsh have begun talking in general terms about a one-year deal that would make Lee an unrestricted free agent next summer, when at least half the league's teams will have significant salary cap room.

"There's a possibility a one-year deal could happen," Bartelstein said. "We're not ruling anything out. If it’s a one-year deal, we’ll try to get a one-year deal that compensates him for who he is."

Lee's situation is holding up some of the remaining player movement at the back end of the free-agent process. Comparable players like the Celtics' Glen "Big Baby" Davis (also a restricted free agent), Tyrus Thomas (eligible for an extension with the Bulls), and Aaron Gray (who is expected to re-sign with Chicago) have been waiting to see what happens with Lee before proceeding. So have their respective teams. The Celtics, meanwhile, struck pre-emptively Monday by agreeing to terms on a one-year, minimum salary deal with free agent forward Shelden Williams.

The Knicks, determined to hold onto precious 2010 cap space, also are in negotiations with Bucks restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. But a person familiar with those talks said they reached an impasse over the weekend -- although the line of communication remains open. The Knicks and Sessions' camp exchanged proposals on Friday and again Monday, without coming to terms on an offer sheet.

The Knicks have until Thursday to negotiate exclusively with ex-Clipper Jason Williams, who has decided to end his retirement. By claiming Williams on waivers, the Knicks acquired the Clippers' exclusive negotiating rights. But a person with direct knowledge of the Knicks' plans said they intend to trade Williams if they can reach agreement with him on a contract. Since they acquired his rights by claiming him on waivers, the Knicks wouldn't have to wait the customary three months to trade him. It's a risk-free way to acquire another minor asset without incurring any cost. This is a significant change in approach for the Knicks, who have spent the past decade or so acquiring minor assets at extraordinary cost.

this is what we have been hering the entire summer in so many words..it amazing that even to get a one year deal done it takes days to negotiate..how far off can the really be

Posted by knicks1248:

this is what we have been hering the entire summer in so many words..it amazing that even to get a one year deal done it takes days to negotiate..how far off can the really be

They really want bank now if Lee isn't going to compromise the Knicks cap long term. Probably want a minimum of 9 mill. Might be Lee's last big payday.

If Lee want's a 1 year deal, I say give him the QO. None of this crud about giving him 1 year at $7 or $8mm.

Nice approach to the Williams situation. Definitely a low risk-high reward situation.
I found this funny:
"We're not ruling anything out. If it’s a one-year deal, we’ll try to get a one-year deal that compensates him for who he is."

For who he is? While Lee is a nice player, that sounds like he wants to make it look like he is a star and needs star treatment. Gimme a break. He better keep getting creative and find a sign and trade partner because the one year contract doesn't seems like will work.

Posted by crzymdups:

if the knicks have 4yr $32M on the table for Lee, why not just up that offer to 6yrs? 6yr $48M should get it done. i'd like dlee back.

because we'd be bidding against ourselves.

End all statement on the Lee and Sessions situations....

Lee has said he feels he needs to be rewarded for working hard. Lee's agent has thrown guys like Bogut and Curry around as an example of comparrible talent....neglecting the fact this off-season, comparible talent was signed for less than what Lee is asking like crazy. Donnie is doing the right thing for the franchise and not giving in. David Lee needs the Knicks to overpay. Knicks don't really need Lee at all.

As far as Sessions, the kid is worth 3-4 mill....he was making under 800k last year...not to mention he's only had 39 career starts. He's been good but hasn't really proved anything. Do the Knicks really need to Chris Childs Sessions??? At least Childs played well for a full season as a starter before the Knicks OD'ed on his contract.

That's why they have to come at the right price.

I have no idea why the Knicks would have interest in Sessions but not Lee. Defies logic, unless Lee's agent hasn't put the crack pipe down.

Posted by SupremeCommander:

I have no idea why the Knicks would have interest in Sessions but not Lee. Defies logic, unless Lee's agent hasn't put the crack pipe down.

you wouldn't want a solid 6'3" PG who runs a good offense and has a high assist to TO ratio for cheap $?

With the big names seemingly off the table I am surprised that Lee, Nate, Sessions, Iverson cannot get deals. This means they're being too greedy and with nobody knocking down their doors.

However, to be honest, how hard can these negotiations be?

DW: 7M
DLee: 12M
DW: 7M
DLee: 12M
DW: Look, it's our price or go elsewhere.
DLee: Nobody wants me at my price.
DW: *Waives rights to Lee*
DLee: Signs 3yr/15M contract with team with MLE once he realizes that's all he's getting.

End of story.

Go for the same with Nate but make it 3yr/9M with some club. Partial MLE. Like the Lakers if they still have it.

Honestly, what is so hard to hammer out that it takes months? What is there to talk about that you can't talk about over the course of one meeting that stretches into maybe 2 or 3 subsequent meetings?

I think it IS Lee's and Nate's turn to get taken care of but the fact that they haven't speaks volumes to me that these guy's aren't worth much at all. From our perspective why trade them and get garbage back? We'd be better off offering the QO and nothing else. They can either take it or sit out the season which would make their value even lower next summer.

By mid September it's time to move on from both of them because then we're focusing on filling out the roster for training camp. By then, with nothing done, what would there possibly be to talk about anyway?

It's absurd.