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[h1]Knicks Extend Qualifying Offers to Lee and Robinson[/h1]
By HOWARD BECK

Published: June 23, 2009

David Lee and Nate Robinson received qualifying contract offers last week from the Knicks, making both players restricted free agents this summer.


The move was not announced by the Knicks, although it was considered a formality. The players' agents confirmed that they received the paperwork just after the N.B.A. finals ended.

The restricted free-agency designation means that the Knicks have the right to match any offer that Lee or Robinson receives after hitting the market on July 1. Had the Knicks not made the qualifying offers by the end of this month, Lee and Robinson would have become unrestricted free agents.

The one-year qualifying offer to Lee was about $2.7 million and Robinson about $2.9 million, based on the rookie salary scale. If they do not sign with another team, or come to terms with the Knicks, they can accept the qualifying offers and become unrestricted free agents next summer.

Lee, an energetic rebounder, is coming off a breakout season. The Knicks seem determined to keep him, provided it does not jeopardize their salary-cap space in 2010. A handful of teams with cap space this summer - including Detroit, Portland and Oklahoma City - could pursue Lee and push up his price.

"I think there will be a lot of interest," said Mark Bartelstein, Lee's agent. "There's not many times a guy at his age and his productivity gets to the market."

If Lee's asking price becomes too steep, the Knicks also have the option of orchestrating a sign-and-trade deal. Lee has said he prefers to remain with the Knicks.

"I think they want to keep him very badly, but they've got different dynamics they have to deal with, their plans for 2010 and all that," Bartelstein said. "We just have to see if it's doable."
 
[h1]Former Duke guard Gerald Henderson figuring into Knicks draft mix[/h1]
BY Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, June 24th 2009, 4:00 AM

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Siner/AP
Gerald Henderson during a workout for the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday. The Knicks also have their eyes on the former Duke guard.

Gerald Henderson could emerge as the surprise pick of the NBA draft's first round, assuming the Knicks' top three targets - Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans - are off the board.

The Knicks own the eighth pick in Thursday's draft and are trying to move into the top four in order to take Rubio, the highly touted point guard from Spain. Rubio, Curry and Evans are all projected to go in the top seven.

When it comes time for the Knicks to make their pick, point guards Brandon Jennings and Jrue Holiday should both be available, but people familiar with the club's thinking claim that Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni prefer Henderson, a 6-5 shooting guard from Duke and son of the former NBA player - and former Knick - of the same name.

The thinking among the Knicks' brain trust is that Henderson, unlike Jennings and Holiday, has the ability to step in and make an immediate contribution. Henderson, who averaged 16.5 points last season as a junior, is regarded a strong character individual with a high basketball IQ. In a majority of mock drafts, Henderson is projected to be picked either 11th or 12th.

One opposing GM said Tuesday that taking Henderson as high as eight "is a risk." However, it is also worth noting that Henderson's college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, forged a relationship with D'Antoni when they coached the 2008 Olympic team. The Knicks signed free agent Chris Duhon last summer on Coach K's recommendation.

Duhon's arrival prompted D'Antoni to bury Stephon Marbury on the bench, a controversial decision that resulted in Marbury eventually negotiating a buyout with the club. Duhon had a strong debut with the Knicks but struggled over the last three months of the season.

Also, Henderson's agent is Arn Tellem, who has remained close to Walsh throughout the years. Tellem also represents Danilo Gallinari, the Knicks' lottery pick from a year ago.

When Walsh met with reporters on Monday, the Knicks president admitted that the team has had conversations about trading up in the draft, possibly to acquire Rubio. Walsh also dismissed the widely held belief that the Knicks are committed to drafting a point guard with the eighth pick.

They could, however, select a point guard if Walsh buys an additional first-round pick. Several cash-strapped teams are said to be willing to trade their picks for cash.

"I've told you guys you have to get good players when you have this kind of opportunity," Walsh said this week. "We have to pick the right guys.
 
I had no idea Coach K had recommended Duhon, but now the picture is painted as clear as day.

Anyway, I haven't heard of any interest from other squads regarding Nate. It would be amazing if we somehow kept both, but this draft just screams"bye bye, Nate."
 
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at Minny monopolizing the draft. I wouldn't be surprised ifthey buy a pick from Portland.



I have a feeling I am going to be very disappointed at the end of the night.
 
Alan Hahn is reporting the Knicks have "bought" the 28th pick from Minny.
 
Originally Posted by Fede DPT

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at Minny monopolizing the draft. I wouldn't be surprised if they buy a pick from Portland.



I have a feeling I am going to be very disappointed at the end of the night.
likewise
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^ I think he's gonna do well in the league, and I like T-Will as a player, but not at #8 .... if we had somethin in teens I think it would be a good look.... just my opinion though.
 
I havent heard anything on him the last week or so, but I do remember hearing reports that we were targeting him at the end of round 1, and trying to get alate 1st rounder from another team to secure him. Minnys 28th overall perhaps?

Dude is a certified shooter, only problem is he's short for the 2 guard spot (6"2 I think if im not mistaken?), so we probably wouldnt be able to havehim as our main SG, but I think he'd be a great fit for the Knicks, and I was a huge fan of dude while he was in college (Miami)

*Edit, dude is only 6"1, averaged 19 a game last year though for the U., and shot 45% from 3 (and from the floor) on the year. Doesn't offer much inthe assist department but that wouldnt be what we'd be takin him for.
 
what about jodie meeks? i think he will be great in dan'toni's system. instant offense
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... i like eric maynor and jeff teague too. nobody is talking about those guys
 
If the knicks picks stay like this.... Jodie meeks at 28 will be a great pick... and jeff teague at 8
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If we get 28 and Austin Daye is still on board i say take him. We didnt give up anything for the pick so its not like we need an impact player right away, andDaye has more upside than almost anybody in the draft. That would be a low risk, high reward pick and he would be great bombing 3s in D'Antoni'ssystem.

I mean *!+% his terrible combine, the boy is 6'11 and can wet 3s. He was predicted as a possible top 5 pick in next years draft before the season but hesdef fallen off alot since.
 
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