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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."
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."
