http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/24455.htm

October 30, 2002 -- Looking to get younger and bigger at the small-forward position, the Knicks yesterday agreed in principle on a one-year deal with 6-foot-9 former Hornet Lee Nailon, The Post has learned.
The Knicks' addition of Nailon, who started 41 games last season for the Hornets, also is a signal they will gear up to move Latrell Sprewell when he gets healthy. According to sources, the Knicks are expected to announce the signing today.

With the burly Nailon, they'll be better prepared to move on without Sprewell. Nailon, who averaged 10.8 ppg, and the 6-5 Sprewell play the same position but Nailon, at 27, is five years younger. He's beginning his third season and gives the club much-needed size on the league's shortest frontline. However, Sprewell is a better perimeter defender, which is not Nailon's strong suit.

The Knicks did not announce the move but waived Toby Bailey to open a roster spot.

Nailon, also pursued by Miami, flew in to New York Monday night after a phone chat with Don Chaney, sources said.

Nailon took a physical yesterday in Manhattan and was believed to have agreed on a deal between $850,000 and $950,000. He did not fly to Detroit with the team yesterday but may be at the morning shootaround with the Knicks at The Palace. It's unknown if he'll suit up.

In Sprewell's absence, Shandon Anderson had been slated to start at small forward. When Sprewell's healthy, perhaps in two weeks, a glut will arise at the "3."

The Knicks were one of five teams able to claim Nailon off waivers last week by using their $4.5M Antonio McDyess injury exception. By letting him clear waivers, Nailon became a free agent and the Knicks were able to save their injury exception and use a portion of their $4.5M mid-level exception. Now Layden can still use the injury exception to facilitate a trade.

Nailon was waived by the Hornets after getting into an argument with Hornets coach Paul Silas over playing time. New Orleans has a glut at the position, with Jamal Mashburn, George Lynch and Stacey Augmon.

"He'll be happier somewhere else," a Hornets official said recently. "He can help them."

Layden had interest in Nailon over the summer when he was a free agent. One reason the Knicks were peeved at not knowing about Sprewell's injury until Sept. 30 was Nailon re-signed only a day before.

Good move by the Knicks. They avoided wasting their injury exception by unnecessarily claiming him off of waivers, and signed him to a 1 year contract....which makes him very tradable later in the season if needed.

Posted by falcindor:

Knicks cant re-trade him. Knicks signed him to a 1 year contract which cant be traded. I believe the deal is guarenteed so the Knicks may be looking him for the long haul. 1 year deal is interesting, do the Knicks really think they have a chance at Maggette or Odom?

A player cannot be traded when the player is playing under a one-year contract and will have Larry Bird or Early Bird rights at the end of the contract. (according to Larry Coon's FAQ)

I don't believe this applies to Nailon, making him tradable.

Nope, that was Eddie Robinson who got signed by Charlotte instead and is with the Bulls now.

Good point - the Knicks would be boring without Spree. The season's tanked anyway, at least give us some enthusiasm, entertainment maybe even a little controversy in the way of Spree. We certainly won't get it on the court this year.

Posted by neoxuxo:

With this Nailon thing going on... witch trade is better for the Knicks: Trade Spree for Jalen Rose and get another big body who can score and play point? Or trade him to Dallas for Nick Van Exel and get a real point guard?

I know I'm asking for too much, but couldn't we get at least ONE real center? I'm not talkin' Shaq, here. Heck, I'm not even talkin' Ostertag. I'm talking some guy who is very tall, sturdy, rebounds and plays passable post defense. I mean, he could even be a decent defensive PF. Again, I know I'm asking for too much.

I want Eddie Robinson and Jamal Crawford for Sprewell.

Jake Voshkul could be our man but i cant see what we can give Phoenix. Maybe Phoenix could take Harrington.

Posted by nyballer:

I heard Ben Wallace was on the block..Spree Thomas and our exception?

I don't think Ben is on the block.

Much agreed there partner in almost two years i have seen nothing from Shandon. It is official he's a bum. What is the status of Frank Williams because i am still not at all impressed with Ward or Eisley, personally i would give the kid a shot what the hell.

I know that this may be overstated, but Anderson looked absolutely awful last night.

Can this guy do anything? Id rather have his brother, Willie!

He does nothing on the offensive end and got lit up by Rip!

Do you think that Lee Nay-lon (as pronounced by Marv)will be happy being behin Spree on the depth chart?

I really hope the Knicks keep Spree. He's far more valuable than
Van Exel or Stoudamire.