Julius Randle: But as far as myself, I know Thibs (Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau) is thinking (it as well), it’s just win at all costs. For me personally, that’s just how I prepare myself. I prepare myself to compete at the highest level of our game. Like I said, there’s a lot of factors (that go into winning an NBA title). But I trust Leon (Knicks president Leon Rose), I trust Thibs, Wes (Knicks vice president William Wesley), our coaches, Scott (Knicks GM Scott Perry) – all these guys, I trust. That was part of my process in thinking of signing the extension and that’s my goal, that’s our goal as a team and the guys that are around us. We want to be able to say that we won a championship here in New York. I don’t think there’s any better feeling than that.
Leon Rose Rumors
If Bacon, who turns 26 on Monday, is cut, he will get a $50,000 guarantee if he plays with the Westchester Knicks of the G-League. There’s a chance the final roster spot will become a battle between Bacon and Argentine combo guard Luca Vildoza, who has a four-year, $13.6 million non-guaranteed deal. Vildoza, 25, already got paid for the first season despite signing in May. Bacon is a Creative Artists Agency client — team president Leon Rose’s former firm. But multiple sources contend the Knicks are taking a flier on Bacon because of Tom Thibodeau’s close friend, Steve Clifford, the former Charlotte and Orlando coach who now is a Nets consultant.
Ian Begley: Knicks announce signings of Taj Gibson & Alec Burks. NYK re-worked Gibson’s deal & signed him for 2-years, $10.1M via an exception. Burks’ 3-year deal starts at $9.5M & has a team option in final year. ESPN 1st reported Gibson. Leon Rose on return of Burks, Nerlens Noel & Gibson: pic.twitter.com/J7MpxwlLCw
New York Knicks announced today that the team has acquired guard/forward Evan Fournier in a sign-and-trade with Boston, along with two future second round draft picks in exchange for cash considerations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We identified Evan as a key addition as we entered free agency and are ecstatic that he’s joining us,” said New York Knicks President Leon Rose, “He’s a great teammate, a fierce competitor, and a perfect complement to our returning players. He wants to be a part of what we are building here, and we are happy to have him join our family.”
Thibodeau’s plan for a Walker/Derrick Rose point guard tandem will be of much intrigue since Rose, too, is injury prone after multiple knee surgeries. Thibodeau is expected to talk Tuesday and provide clues as to whether he might split the 48-minute game between the two former All-Stars. It’s unclear if Leon Rose will break his one-year media silence. Load management — an idea Thibodeau detests — may finally reign at the Garden in 2021-22. Walker didn’t play back-to-backs last season for Boston and was forced to miss the final two playoff games against the Nets because of knee pain.
Knicks sign Kemba Walker
New York Knicks announced today that the team has signed four-time NBA All-Star guard Kemba Walker. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are beyond thrilled to bring native New Yorker Kemba Walker back to the city he’s proud to call home. He’s a tremendous talent whose skill and leadership will be a huge addition to our organization,” said New York Knicks President Leon Rose. “We’ve already seen how well he performs on The Garden stage and can’t wait to witness it on a nightly basis in front of his family, friends and the best fans in the league.”
Marc Berman: Theo Pinson, a vibrant joy in locker room & bench, has joined the defending champs. Pinson will play for Milwaukee’s summer-league team. Pinson is in 4th season & can’t be back on 2-way with Knicks – as much as Leon Rose would love to have him. Knicks hold a 2-way spot open.
