Knicks Lack Firepower to Land LeBron

[Shapecity]

The Knicks are a rumored destination for LeBron James when he becomes a free agent after this season.

But as Howard Beck writes in today's New York Times, they're facing some hurdles in attracting James.

"Because of the NBA's salary-cap rules, the Knicks cannot outspend any other team to land a superstar," he writes. "In fact, James and Dwyane Wade can make millions more by staying put. Mike D'Antoni is tremendously popular among NBA stars, but his charm and his wide-open offense will get the Knicks only so far on the recruiting trail. Ditto for the mystique of Madison Square Garden and the lure of Madison Avenue.

"At some point, the Knicks presumably have to show some progress and some promise, and the ability to help a superstar realize his championship ambitions."

The Knicks will have cap room in 2010, but they can position themselves better for James if they move the albatross that is Eddy Curry's contract before the trade deadline.

Source: NY Times

 

[Shapecity]

I just got back from a trip to NY and LeBron James is marketed all over the city already. Doesn't appear LeBron wants to leave Cleveland at this point and the franchise will bend over backwards for him. Unless LeBron has a major falling out with the Cavs I can't see him leaving, but I wouldn't be surprised if he signed only a short term deal again and waits to see what happens with the new CBA agreement. If the Players Union can fight to remove the salary cap restrictions then NY becomes a viable destination again.