Knicks · I think Patrick Mills might be a very good PG option for us (page 1)

Just looking at the situation -- this guy has a player option to return to SA next year for $1,133,950. I can't see how he would want to go back there. Pop never played the guy. I don't even think he's in uniform tonight for the last game of the season... As is, it's Parker, Neal, Cory Joseph then Mills on the SA PG depth chart. Why would he even want to go back there next year, esp. if they can get a chip tonight?? Barely played this year and it'll be the same deal next year. The only way this guy's gonna step into some better money is to go to a situation where he can play and showcase his talent.

I've always liked this dude -- very quick and talented. He fits everything we'd like to changeover from Pablo/Kidd -- he's young, cat-quick, plays uptempo, very underrated passing and offensive skills. He can break down a defender in a nano sec and shoot very well from the perimeter with picture-perfect form. Gotta see what he intends to do but if he opts out I'd come strong if I'm Grunwald -- offer the vet minimum and GUARANTEE HIM the backup PG spot and at least 20 mins a night MINIMUM. That may get it done. Whenever/wherever this guy's been given an opportunity, he's produced: St. Mary's, the Australian Olympic team, Portland, China and even San Antonio. His NBA opportunities have been way too few and far between however...I think this is actually one of the few FAs with NBA experience we might have a shot at signing. If we can't come up with a PG in this draft, I like this guy a whole lot more than Tony Taylor, Malcolm Grant, Ricky Harris, Walker Russell Jr or whoever else they might be looking at right now. At the risk of tampering, if I'm Grunwald, I'd actually already have sized up this opportunity and gotten word to Mills' agent that we're interested and ready to pounce if his client's in. Felton/Patty Mills would make for a real solid, quick PG duo.

Patty is having surgery. Is injured.

wwill he stay injured?

Oh wow, didn't realize. On what and how bad? Is it serious? Is he expected to be 100% ready for next season? We might be able to use it to our advantage -- it might keep other suitors away. Get him now, rehab him and tell him a spot's ready for him as soon as he's able to go.

Just reading over at Hoopshype that he had a foot infection and had minor outpatient surgery to remove an abscess that had formed between two of his toes. Doesn't sound even remotely career threatening. This is a non-issue. Nothing that would stop me from pursuing him.

id rather have corey joseph

Joseph's not an option. He'll be under contract with that club for at least 2 more seasons. I actually prefer Mills over Joseph myself....Mills is the one who could be in play here if he opts out to test free agency. I don't see why on Earth he would want to knowingly go back to a situation where he won't play. Next year in SA, he'll be carrying Tony Parker's luggage again; in NY next season, he could be playing 20-25 mins a night, possibly more on night's where Felton wasn't effective. He's a good fit here in terms of what we need to add at the point to go along with Felton.

Patty Mills was balling so hard for Australia this past Olympics, would love to have him. After his 2012 Olympics I honestly thought he'd get way more playing time in SA this past season.

thats right...i thought joseph was a free agent

Not sure this would even work out for us. Just looking over minimum NBA salaries -- it looks like Patty's considered a 3-yr NBA pro and the minimum salary for a 3-yr pro is only $916,099 for the 2013-14 season (only $947,907 for a 4-yr player). He's set to make more than that for next year at $1,133,950. Can't expect the guy to opt out of an existing deal to take less, even with a guarantee for a steady role, increased P/T, etc. So all we would be able to offer him is a salary starting at a little over 916k -- am I looking at this right? I thought the vet minimum for a player with his time in would be more....Man, are we over a barrel with this salary cap or what?

Forgot about the mid-level & low level exceptions. That's how we could come up with the money.