By Steve Popper, The Record (Hackensack N.J.) –
HACKENSACK, N.J. — It may have been a formality, a bargaining tool for Steve Nash, but the Knicks at least took the first step of meeting with the free-agent point guard Sunday on the first day of free agency.
Though the Knicks can’t offer Nash the NBA title expectations that some can and they can’t match the salary figures reportedly thrown at him by Toronto, who also met with him and offered up a three-year deal worth between $30 million and $36 million, they did what they could do — showed him their sincere interest.
The Knicks, who have asserted that they will bring back free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin, still need a veteran to back up Lin or to serve as a mentor. Nash certainly would fit in the latter category as a two-time Most Valuable Player, who even at 38 is among the game’s best floor leaders.
The Knicks can offer Nash a deal starting at just over $3 million in the first year. Though their prospects for immediate success may be better than Toronto’s, that is a lot of money to make up for the Canadian native. Though they can attempt a sign-and-trade deal with the Suns, the Knicks have few trade chips worthwhile
Nash, who has spent his summers living in Greenwich Village for years now, did not rule out the Knicks when his former coach Mike D’Antoni walked away. Former Phoenix teammate Amar’e Stoudemire remains in place, and at least a semblance of the offense that was run under D’Antoni is intact.
The Knicks remain a long shot for Nash, but they can offer a big three in the frontcourt of Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony. But Anthony drove D’Antoni away, as the forward did not fit in with the style of play that Nash excelled in at Phoenix.
The Knicks also are expected to speak with Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd. With Baron Davis sidelined for the season, the Knicks need a veteran to pair with Lin, who even with the onset of Linsanity started just 25 games before his season came to an end with a torn meniscus.
