Some notes as we approach free agency at 6:00 p.m.:
The Knicks have practically no interest in negotiating Miles McBride as part of the Mikal Bridges acquisition, according to people familiar with the matter. Remember, the Knicks still need to add money to that trade to avoid being capped at the first apron. The current version of the trade would leave them limited to a team salary of around $178 million. They’re surely looking for ways to avoid that cap hit. They can do that by sending out more salary in the Bridges trade than they receive.
The team has maintained dialogues on operations involving Jericho Sims, according to sources. Sources confirm they picked up Sims’ team option for 2024-25. The news was first reported by the New York Post. The club likes Sims and he could serve as a backup if there is movement at the center position.
CENTRAL POINT
Speaking of that position, as first reported by SNY, Isaiah Hartenstein He is expected to receive multiple significant offers in free agency. Those offers make it highly unlikely that the Knicks will be able to retain him. New York has Hartenstein’s early-bird rights and can offer him a starting salary of $16.1 million and a four-year, $72 million max. As SNY first reported, Hartenstein is expected to receive long- and short-term offers worth significantly more than what the Knicks can offer. Therefore, Hartenstein, who becomes a free agent after a strong season, would have to accept significantly less money to remain in New York.
Because of that, the Knicks may need to find a backup center in free agency. As we have noted, André Drummond, Goga Bitadze and Nick Richards They are among a group of big men who are in New York’s sights if Hartenstein signs with another team. Drummond is expected to receive interest from several teams, as is Bitadze.
MORE SPACE FOR THE SIXERS?
Another note as we approach free agency: the Philadelphia 76ers are involved paul georgeas we all know. In the hours leading up to free agency, the Sixers were exploring ways to create more salary-cap space to add players beyond George, according to people familiar with the matter. Among the many ways they can do that: waiving a player whose salary isn’t guaranteed for 2024-25.