The Knicks made headlines for all the wrong reasons last night, dropping their seventh of eight games with a 91-81 loss to the Cavs. This type of let down is clearly an unacceptable one, but things will not get any easier as the team takes on the star-studded Miami Heat tomorrow night.
While the Knicks ponder what they can do to ultimately turn their so far frustrating season around, let's take a look at some of the many moves other teams made (or didn't make) by yesterday's extension/option deadline, in attempts to fortify their rosters.
As previously noted, the Knicks did in fact exercise Toney Douglas' team option for next season, hoping he can bounce back from his slow start and find a productive rhythm once again. Though this may seem to have been a small fish to fry, many NBA teams had more pressing matters.
The Nuggets and former Knick Danilo Gallinari agreed upon a contract extension through four years worth $42 million, earning him approximately $10.5 million per season. The decision appeared to be an easy one for Denver, whose coaching staff has praised the Italian Stallion for his elevated defense early on this season. Of course, he has always been known for his sweet shooting stroke, and this season has been no different. Gallinari has shot over 47% from the field on his way to averaging a team (and career) high of 17.4 points per game.
The number six overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft poured in the points as he reminded the Knicks what they lost, scoring a career high 37 points late last week. During his return to MSG, Gallo also sank a career-high 18 free throws and grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds in Denver's 119-114 win Saturday over his former team.
The deal is more than a fair one for Gallinari, who the Nuggets hope will perhaps continue to blossom into more of a star.
Also cashing in on a big pay day was Timberwolves' All-Star Kevin Love, signing a four year contract extension worth an estimated $62 million. Last season's league-leading rebounder, Love was expected by many to have been offered a full five year contract extension. However, the Timberwolves could very well be holding out that right for rookie phenomenon Ricky Rubio.
Perhaps the Timberwolves did so in an effort to keep their core together, but Love has more than proven himself to be a worthy franchise player. If a player of that magnitude is willing to stay long-term, a small market team should look to lock him up as long as possible, regardless of what hurdles may lie ahead.
What's strange is that Love's contract also includes an opt-out clause following the third season of the deal. This means he can either opt-out, simply to seek out more money from the Timberwolves, or leave the team completely in favor of a lucrative contract in a bigger market.
After hesitating to lock him up, then furthermore gaffing with the opt-out clause, the Timberwolves can only hope the team makes enough progress towards inching their way into the playoffs under Coach Rick Adelman. The more noise the team makes, the more likely Love will be inclined to stay in the fold after experiencing success. However, it's important Love's team make a stronger and much firmer commitment to him in 2015 than they just did. Needless to say, they've taken a gamble on one of the best players in the league.
Among those who held off on their big paydays were Magic forward Ryan Anderson and Suns center Robin Lopez. Anderson, who is averaging a career-high 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and is shooting an even more impressive 42% from beyond the arc. That being said, much of Anderson's success has stemmed from his placement as an outside shooter next to Dwight Howard in the front court. Should Howard depart Orlando, Anderson may not find as much success. Both he and his team decided to wait things out, making him a restricted free agent this summer.
Also playing the waiting game is Lopez, who after showing potential as a spot-starter over the last two seasons, has found himself backing up new Suns starting center Marcin Gortat. As we've seen many times in the NBA, a great deal of potential is often enough to help a young player cash in on a lucrative contract, so perhaps Lopez is doing the right thing, taking into consideration Gortat's emergence and the Suns' ongoing struggles.
Players who had their team options declined for next season included the likes of Magic backup big man Daniel Orton and former Knicks' first round draft selection Jordan Hill of the Rockets. Both will hit the open market as unrestricted free agents this summer.
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