<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Post has learned Thomas has two candidates, one of whom will be offered a three-year contract as early as today: * James Jones, the Pacers' 6-foot-8 free-agent reserve swingman, whom Thomas drafted in the second round in 2003; * and unrestricted free-agent center DeSagana Diop, a 7-foot, 280-pounder who played with the Cavs the last four years. Whoever gets the offer, the Knicks will only be able to pay their lower exception (starting at $1.7M). In announcing the amnesty waiving of Jerome Williams, who will likely retire, Thomas said he hopes to use that $1.7M lower exception on a young player. Jones, 24, is a restricted free agent. The Pacers have the right to match any Knick offer, but likely won't because of a budget mandate, and because they drafted Danny Granger.</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jones, 24, is a restricted free agent. The Pacers have the right to match any Knick offer, but likely won't because of a budget mandate, and because they drafted Danny Granger.</div> Typical NY Post comment. James Jones is a valuable player to the Pacers. It's not like they won't match the contract for JJ (hey, they're are alot a few JJ's in the league) because their intent the whole summer is to retain their two FA's, Jones and Davis. The Knicks aren't going to get James Jones because the Pacers will definitely match the LLE contract. The only way I can see the Knicks getting him is if Isiah pulls off an Isiah and signs him to a 5 year contract. Edit: Word is that the Knicks want to make a trade with the Pacers for JJ because he can earn more money if he signs with the Pacers. It is believed that the Pacers want a TE or a pick for him. The only scnerio I can see the Knicks getting JJ is if they trade a TE for him. Still, the Pacers can re-sign JJ without going through this whole process with Knicks. A TE for JJ though ,would be nice for the PAcers
