New York Knicks on the top of Lamar Odom's wish list - NBA Update
Dallas Mavericks have Lamar Odom on the trade list, and there are no two words about it.
Odom is owed $8.2 million in 2012-2013, but there is a clause in his contract, providing the provision that he can be bought out. If Mavs aren't able to shop him out by June 30, they can buy him out for $2.4 million and then Lamar
will be a free agent.
Sources close to Lamar disclosed that New York Knicks will be on the top of his wish list, if he becomes a free agent.
“Lamar is big on being comfortable,” the source said. “And New York is somewhere he can be comfortable.”
However, Knicks already low on budget, will be spending big on the contract extension of Jeremy Lin, if the Birds right case goes in their favour. They are also believed to be pursuin Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns and with these
two mega contracts they will not be left with sufficient salary cap to cover Lamar.
However there can be a way out. Knicks are still waiting for their Birds Right decision. As things stand right now New York have their $5 million midlevel exception, which they will use to re-sign Lin. If the decision goes into
their favour then the franchise can go on to re-sign Lin and Steve Novak without touching their midlevel exception.
This will provide them with enough financial cushions to go for Odom, only if they want to. Otherwise Odom will have to settle with veteran’s minimum in the Big Apple.
After this season one thing is clear that Odom and Mavs’ association is over. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 boards in this season, his career worst and things went out of proportions when he got into a heated debate with Mark
Cuban for effortlessness.
At the age of 32, he wants to play for team that has a shot for championship. NYK is a place where he can end his career gracefully.
"He wants to find a place where he can end his career, and New York is ideal," the source said. "He's won championships in the past and he wants to win another. And to do it there would be great."
Tags: