New York Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly has his eye on Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson and forward Greg Monroe in free agency this summer, but neither player may be available for him come July.
The Knicks have salary cap space to use this summer, and they've seemingly been linked to almost every free agent expected to be on the market. Two players on Phil's reported list, however, might become early scratches. Reggie appears likely to re-sign in Detroit, where he's beginning to thrive as a point guard. Although some analysts questioned whether Reggie would be worth a max-level contract in July, his play as of late has offered an answer: Yes.
Reggie struggled early on in Detroit after Oklahoma City traded him at the deadline, but apparently all he needed was time. The month of March has been big for him, including two triple-doubles and a career-high of 20 assists in one game while averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds in the month. The 24-year-old has also continued to get better with the more time he's had to acclimate to Detroit's system, tallying at least 20 points and 10 assists in five of his last seven games. More importantly, the Pistons are seemingly out of their funk and have won five of their last seven games.
Reggie becomes a restricted free agent in July and his recent emergence makes it almost certain the Pistons, who've said Reggie is part of the long-term plan, will match any offer sheet put in front of him this summer.
Monroe also may not be available for New York. Although all signs pointed to the forward wanting out of the Motor City this summer, a report last week from Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler indicated Monroe is considering re-signing with the Pistons after the season.
"As for Greg coming back - maybe," Basketball Insiders' Kyler wrote March 23. "I have been told (it's) a consideration and with Josh Smith off the books in many ways, there is cash to give Greg and he knows what Stan is about and is trying to do, so maybe."
Phil's top target is believed to be Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, who recently said he hasn't ruled out signing with New York in free agency. Other reported free-agent targets include Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love, Goran Dragic and Tobias Harris. New York could have enough salary cap space in July to offer one max-level contract and another contract worth around $10 million.
