Frank Isola of the New York Daily News says the Knicks can’t be counted out of the hunt for Joe Johnson just yet, despite the fact that his current team, the Hawks, will soon offer him a maximum contract. Why? Isola explains:
The Knicks, however, have a strong advocate in Arn Tellem, Johnson’s agent, who is also best friends with Donnie Walsh. Tellem got Danilo Gallinari drafted by the Knicks and Tracy McGrady traded their last February. Maybe he can deliver Johnson as well.
It’s hard to imagine Johnson turning down the Hawks, as a maximum deal with them would be worth “$30 million more over the lifetime of his deal,” says Isola. But New York is still in play.