Continuity or more cap space?
It looks like the Knicks will get the cash with their two opt-out guys — Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams — possibly having played their final game with the team Tuesday night at Bankers Life Field House.
Afflalo, who has $8 million left on his pact for next season, is almost sure to opt out and sign elsewhere after being demoted to the bench during March’s West Coast trip. Afflalo still believes he’s an “elite’’ shooting guard, but lost his job to Sasha Vujacic — a blow to his ego that created friction between him and interim coach Kurt Rambis.
Williams won’t tip his hand completely, but said he thinks he did the right thing in adding an opt-out to his two-year contract. He still wants to come back to the Knicks, even if it is as a free agent. Williams would make $4.6 million next season if he opted into the contract.
If both opt out, the Knicks would gain another $12.6 million in cap space, giving them $30 million available in a free-agent market that can offer a lot of backcourt help.
“Obviously that would be first choice,’’ Afflalo said of hunting for a starting job. “I still believe I’m one of the premier 2-guards in this league. Part of being an elite 2-guard in this league is opportunity, you have to be in a certain environment where you can excel and show what you can do. Hopefully that contributes to winning. I still believe I’m that player. I’ll find the best opportunity for me whether it’s in New York or anywhere else.’’
Afflalo talked in the past tense regarding the Knicks.
“I chose new York,’’ Afflalo said. “I wanted to be here. I was very optimistic about the season. From that standpoint, it was a little disheartening. I’m thankful it was a great opportunity. The environment in New York City is unbelievable. The fans are unbelievable. The experience was everything I thought it would be outside the winning. That’s the part I thought we’d have more of this year.”
Williams is an intriguing case. He was a gamble of a signing, but the underachieving former No. 2 overall pick was the most athletic player on an unathletic team. He showed an ability to create his own shot and get to the foul line. The Knicks could try to re-sign him if he opts out, but the Lakers showed interest in Williams last summer and will have $60 million in cap space. Williams never has played on a winning team in five seasons.
Williams, who finished with 22 points in the season-ending loss to the Pacers, cited the tight bond on the team for why he wants to return.
“There’s a ton of possibilities,’’ Williams told The Post. “You can opt in, [or] opt out and still come back. I loved it in New York. It’s been fun.
“I love playing here. It really rejuvenated me, coming in here and playing in the big market. The fan base, the atmosphere, the energy — it’s awesome. This offseason is going to be good.’’
Afflalo, on the decline at age 31, will have his exit meeting Thursday. Rambis recently said Afflalo could be an asset for another team as a sixth man.
“I’m a straight communication guy — just talk to me and tell me,’’ Afflalo said. “They can just tell me what it is.”
http://nypost.com/2016/04/13/knicks-cap-space-hinges-on-two-unique-free-agency-calls/
