The New York Knicks finally made a significant leap into the free agency pool earlier this week when it was reported that future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd agreed to a deal with the franchise, giving them the veteran presence at point guard that the team’s been missing for years.
Once Steve Nash—the man the Knicks preferred to man the helm—was picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal, Kidd immediately became the Knicks best option among this year’s free agents.
As of Friday, the Knicks were reportedly still working on the deal to get Kidd to New York. The 39-year-old veteran could make more money if the Knicks work out a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks instead of just signing straight up as a free agent.
Despite his age, the Knicks are hopeful that Kidd will add some veteran leadership and help propel them in the Eastern Conference.
Kidd will most likely come off the bench and mentor young point guard Jeremy Lin, who agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets for nearly $30 million, which the Knicks are expected to match next week.
Even Carmelo Anthony, who was in Las Vegas preparing for the Olympics, had something to say about the Lin and Kidd tandem.
“Overall just to have him back him and Jason Kidd, him learning under Jason Kidd, for however long Jason Kidd is there, I accept that, we accept that, and that’s a great opportunity for us,” Anthony said, according to the Associated Press.
Kidd’s minutes has declined over the last two seasons, but he is still a capable floor general and is one of the best at pushing the ball off missed baskets and is dangerous running a fast break.
