The New York Knicks were reported before the postseason started as being interested in soon-to-be free agent DeMarre Carroll, and the Atlanta Hawks forwards' outstanding play throughout the 2015 NBA playoffs likely has done nothing to change that. Unfortunately for Knicks fans, team president Phil Jackson may now have some serious competition for Carroll.
Carroll is playing for his fifth NBA team since entering the league in 2009, but the 28-year-old journeyman finally appears to have found his niche. He's in the final year of his two-year deal with Atlanta, and he's dramatically improved his value for the upcoming free agency period. Although he was a solid contributor - 12.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game - all season for the Hawks, he's been nothing short of spectacular through the first two rounds of the postseason, where he's averaging 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds.
There'll certainly be a market for the defensive-minded forward, and although the Knicks will have competition, they could be a frontrunner to sign him. Jackson is expected to have enough salary cap space in the summer to give one max-level contract and then a lesser contract in the $10-12 million range, which would likely be around the figure Carroll will seek in July.
Also working in the Knicks' favor is the fact Carroll would like to play in New York.
"Most definitely,'' Carroll told the New York Post in April when asked if the Knicks would be a high consideration. "When guys talk about playing in certain places - they talk about Madison Square Garden and Staples Center. Those two places. New York has a lot to offer but at the end of the season, I'll let my agent do that. We'll keep our options and hopefully it will work out for the best.''
As for the Knicks, The Post reported coach Derek Fisher was a fan of Carroll and Jackson, the man with the final say, has always had a knack for acquiring defensive-minded players.
New York has been linked to almost every soon-to-be free agent, including Kevin Love (option), Greg Monroe, Rajon Rondo and Tobias Harris.
