The New York Knicks received an unexpected boost on Friday when an arbitrator ruled in the NBPA's favor, granting early Bird rights to Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak. But the Knicks can't celebrate the ruling just yet.
The NBA announced Friday that it will appeal the ruling that gave Bird rights to players who were claimed off waivers. The ruling impacts any free agent claimed off waivers, but especially affects the Knicks, who would like to keep both Lin and Novak in free agency this summer.
If the ruling stands, the Knicks would have significantly more cap flexibility this summer. They would be able to offer more money to both Lin and Novak while keeping their mid-level exception to use on another free agent.
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