The New York Knicks currently have two roster spots open and they are in the process of trying to fill them. It was reported about a week ago that the Knicks were in talks with Alexey Shved to possibly bring him back, after a strong stint with the team last season, but now that might not be so likely. The New York Post is now reporting that the offers the Knicks have made aren't to Shved's liking, and he is now threatening to go overseas to play next season if the Knicks don't up their offer.
The Knicks have reportedly made three different offers to Shved, but he has turned them all down. Shved is looking for the Knicks to pay him with their $2.8 million exception, but they are hesitant to do that at this time, and offers thus far have likely been either for the minimum or very close to it.
Phil Jackson has said that right now the Knicks main priority is to ink a backup center to a deal after they lost Cole Aldrich in free agency to the Los Angeles Clippers. As of right now, the Knicks have Robin Lopez at center and not much else on the roster. They have been linked to guys like Kendrick Perkins, Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer this offseason, but nothing has yet to come of those rumors.
Despite center being its primary focus, the Knicks still look to add a wing as well, with Shved being one of the guys they are looking at, but he isn't the only one. The Knicks have had interest in Willie Green all offseason, and reportedly had a workout with Elliot Williams.
At this point, it doesn't look like the Knicks or Shved and his agent are willing to give in when it comes to a potential contract. Obrad Fimic, Shved's agent, said that if the Knicks don't up the offer, he is bolting for Europe.
"We didn't get to the right number with the Knicks, maybe next season. We are considering a return to Europe where we have two huge offers,'' said Fimic.
This quote from Shved's agent could just be a negotiating tactic, but it is very likely that there are European teams that want him. After all, Nick Calathes has a three-year offer from a Greek team that is worth upwards of $6 million, and he isn't nearly as good as Shved. At this point, it seems more likely than not that the Knicks will just move on from Shved, as they don't seem to want to meet his asking price, and that ultimately means that the most likely landing spot for him is in Europe.
