Report: Knicks considered frontrunners to sign Monroe, Afflalo
The Knicks are viewed as the favorite to sign Greg Monroe, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Wojnarowski reports that league executives have believed for months that the 6'11'' power forward will land in New York. In April, the New YorkDaily News reported the move was “about as close to a done deal as you can get.”
The Knicks reportedly have given up "any hope" of signing Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.
Monroe recently told The Advocate in Baton Rouge that he's seeking a two-year deal with an option and that he's "looking to be with a team that’s ready to win.” New York reportedly will meet with Monroe next week.
Wojnarowski also reports that the Knicks are are emerging as the team most likely to sign shooting guard Arron Afflalo.
Afflalo is set to enter unrestricted free agency after finishing last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, which acquired him from the Denver Nuggets in a multi-player trade in February.
Over 78 games last season, Afflalo averaged 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 35.4 percent from three-point range. The 29-year-old is considered one of the league's better perimeter defenders.
Last season the Knicks finished 17-65, the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on July 1, but contract cannot be consummated until July 9.
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