Knicks to sign Chandler?

Via Nick Borges of ESPN...

The Knicks could have signed Wilson Chandler to an extension by Oct. 31, but decided to deal with him in July when he'll be a restricted free agent. Chandler is having a solid year for the Knicks and president Donnie Walsh vowed on Wednesday that the team will ink him to a new contract in the summer.

"Wilson's a restricted free agent and I'm going to sign him," Walsh told the New York Post. "He's a helluva player."

The team and player were close to a deal in the fall, but couldn't complete it after NBA commissioner David Stern announced the desire to drastically reduce salaries and the cap in the new collective bargaining agreement.

"We have a great, open working relationship with Donnie," said agent Chris Luchey. "We did feel like we were close to having a deal done early on. We thought we were in the same ballpark on what his value was before the commissioner came out with strong statements. That kind of startled Donnie and got him to backpedal.

"So we agreed we can play it out, knowing it could backfire in them having to spend more money if his value goes up. His value has definitely risen since Oct. 31. But my belief is Donnie wants to retain him, even if another spectacular free agent -- not naming names -- comes up."

A source tells the newspaper that Luchey may seek a five-year, $60 million deal for Chandler.



Wilson Chandler has stepped his game up this season. He's averaging a career high in points (17.9 ppg), rebounds (6.5 rpg) and blocks (1.5 bpg). His shooting is also up across the board (career highs .489 FG%, .386 3PT FG% and .823 FT%). At the start of the year, he was a leading contender for the 6th Man Award before being inserted into the starting line up. His play has made the decision harder in terms of who to include in a trade for Carmelo Anthony, if and when the Nuggets decide to deal with the Knicks. This may be just the beginning for the 23 year old Chandler.