New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony hopes his team can eventually sign power forward Kenyon Martin, an NBA source told the New York Post's Marc Berman.
Martin, who signed in China during the lockout, received a contract buyout from his Chinese team but is not free to sign an NBA deal until his former Chinese team finishes its season. At that point, likely some time in March, Martin will become an unrestricted free agent in the NBA.
Because the Knicks were successful in convincing Baron Davis to sign a veteran's minimum contract, the team still has its $2.5 million room exception to spend. The rugged Martin would be a valuable addition to New York's star-studded, albeit thin, front court, and the Knicks could have a leg up on competition for his services because of their standing as a potential contender that can spend more than the veteran's minimum.
Anthony might also be a draw for Martin. The duo became very familiar with each other while spending almost seven seasons together in Denver.
Berman reports that Martin did not look good in China, but people close to Martin said that was because he was unhappy in China and "just collecting a paycheck during the lockout."
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