Johnson to Knicks a done deal?
12:04
PM ET
Joe Johnson | Hawks Top Email

Earlier this week, we talked about how Joe Johnson's agent, Arm Tellem, could influence his client's decision in free agency this summer.

And in that same note, we provided quotes from Johnson saying even though he's from a small town, he could see himself in a big city like New York.

Now here's the latest wrinkle from Frank Isola of the New York Daily News: Tellem, Johnson and the Knicks may already have an under-the-table agreement in place for Johnson to sign with New York in the offseason.

Writes Isola: "There is a growing sentiment among opposing team executives that at the very least the Knicks will sign Atlanta's Joe Johnson, whose agent, Arn Tellem, orchestrated the Tracy McGrady trade to the Knicks and has been friends with Walsh for 20 years. It's called a 'wink-wink deal,' and even though it is against NBA rules, the practice does exist and is nearly impossible to police. 'I think that's a done deal,' said one Eastern Conference GM."

If this is the case, take Dwyane Wade -- who was a long-shot for New York in the first place -- off the Knicks' list, as two free-agent shooting guards doesn't make a ton of sense.

Ric Bucher
If Knicks land two superstars, there's little money for rest of roster
"[Donnie Walsh] knows New Yorkers are convinced that he aims to land not just James but also another superstar from the pool of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire ... Problem is, say the Knicks did open the vault for James and superstar No. 2. That would leave roughly $30 million to spend on the other 10 roster spots. So wave good-bye to free agent All-Star and fan favorite David Lee."

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

TMS wrote:

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

gotcha... must have missed that clause in the 2010 plan.

if you like that clause then you'll LOVE the t-mac clause.

TMS wrote:

Marv wrote:

TMS wrote:

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

gotcha... must have missed that clause in the 2010 plan.

if you like that clause then you'll LOVE the t-mac clause.

can't wait til they try & sell us on the "homegrown superstar" clause when we re-sign D Lee.

You must have missed the Spurs game when Breen and Clyde abruptly began praising Lee and thoughts of just getting a Joe Johnson to go along with him. I love how they are starting to enjoy Lee's 'hard fouls' in the past week. It sounded scripted and cued if you asked me. Marketing 201.

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:

Marv wrote:

TMS wrote:

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

gotcha... must have missed that clause in the 2010 plan.

if you like that clause then you'll LOVE the t-mac clause.

can't wait til they try & sell us on the "homegrown superstar" clause when we re-sign D Lee.

You must have missed the Spurs game when Breen and Clyde abruptly began praising Lee and thoughts of just getting a Joe Johnson to go along with him. I love how they are starting to enjoy Lee's 'hard fouls' in the past week. It sounded scripted and cued if you asked me. Marketing 201.

i've said it before, this summer i have a feeling we're walking out with Joe Johnson, D Lee & a re-signed T-Mac... i hope i'm wrong but the more i see from this team & the less assets we own for future improvement, i don't see why the big name FA's would want to come play here... Joe Johnson seems destined to be a Knick w/his MDA ties & his agent ties w/Walsh.

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

This would be kinda funny if it wasnt so damn sad. I might have to put hands on Donnie, ya'll...I feel it comin'

holfresh wrote:Can't wait to max out with DLee, Joe Johnson and no picks...Hello 40 wins...great...

sebstar wrote:

Pharzeone wrote:

TMS wrote:when did Joe Johnson become a superstar?

When Lebron and Wade were most likely no longer a real option.

This would be kinda funny if it wasnt so damn sad. I might have to put hands on Donnie, ya'll...I feel it comin'

Uhh... pause.