New York Knicks contemplating matching offer for Landry Fields – NBA News
The New York Knicks are reported to be considering matching the offer by the Toronto Raptors for guard Landry Fields.
Hoopsworld writer Stephen Brotherston has said that the Knicks initially had no plans of trying to retain Fields, but are now considering the option. Fields was given a three year $18 million offer by the Toronto Raptors, which
was made official on Wednesday when the moratorium was lifted.
According to Brotherston, Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo said:
“The Knicks have informed me that they are very interested in retaining Landry and at this stage the best I could get from them in terms of a commitment about whether or not the deal would be matched was a 50/50 proposition quote
unquote. They are trying to work through some other scenarios to see if they can make it viable to sign him."
Fields had an impressive rookie season in which he averaged 9.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the New York Knicks. His second season however was not as impressive, witnessing a fall in his averages. He averaged 8.8 points,
4.2 rebounds and2.6 assists, shooting 46% from the field and only 25.6% from the distance.
The New York Knicks have re-signed shooting guard J.R. Smith to a two year deal which is worth $2.8 million in the first year. He is likely to be the starting shooting guard for the Knicks next season with Iman Shumpert recovering
from injury.
When Shumpert returns, Smith could play as his back up. Hence, there is no need of another shooting guard, which will cost the Knicks $6 million each year. With Jason Kidd already signed to the team and the Knicks likely to match
the Houston Rockets offer for restricted free agent point guard Jeremy Lin, it is possible that both Kidd and Lin play at the one and two position at the same time. Hence, the Knicks are loaded as far as guard positions are concerned and do not need any new
addition to the roster for those spots.
It would be better for the Knicks to let Fields go, and concentrate on using the impressive roster they have built this offseason.
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