As if the New York Knicks need to add any more size to their front line, comes a report from the New York Post, the Knicks may look into adding Denver Nuggets unrestricted free agent Kenyon Martin and former Knick Wilson Chandler, a restricted free agent, once they get back from China.
A source familiar with the Knicks’ thinking said it is “possible” the Knicks would have interest in signing Martin later in the season if they need a jolt up front and they will pocket their $2.5 million exception. A source said the 33-year-old former Nets star would be amenable to joining the Knicks.
Another Chinese league player of interest also would be ex-Knick Wilson Chandler, who still is playing in Asia and also wouldn’t be eligible until March. Multiple sources said Chandler would love a return to the Knicks, who reluctantly traded him to Denver in the Carmelo Anthony deal last February.
Should the Knicks make an offer Chandler, Denver will have three days to match the offer under the new CBA. Martin is free to join a team of his choosing. However, both will have to accept a role off the bench seeing how Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire are the Knicks’ starters.
But talk about a jolt to an already thin New York bench. Either player will make the Knicks a bigger threat to the Heat, Celtics, and Bulls. Martin will provide toughness, scoring and a veteran presence off the bench while Chanlder will once again bring his athleticism and mid-range jumper back to the Big Apple.
Now neither player is enough to push the Knicks into title contenders (seeing how their backcourt is very questionable) but adding either or both of these players would make the Knicks a team no top-tier East team will want to face in the the playoffs.