Return To Prominence - New York Knicks Association (NBA 2K13)

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THE OFFSEASON

Staff Signing

Knicks re-sign Mike Woodson to a 3-year deal, fire Herb Williams, scouts

Spoiler

After a huge turnaround this past season from the 2011-12 campaign, the New York Knicks front office has announced that they have re-signed head coach Mike Woodson to a three-year deal. Woodson will make $3M over the next three years.

Since taking over the Knicks in the middle of the 2011-12 season after the resignation of current Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni, Woodson lead the Knicks to a complete 180 spin, and has had the team playing much better defensively. Woodson assures that there will be many controversial, yet necessary, moves that will be made this off-season, all in the the name of making the team better.

In a related move, the New York Knicks have relieved assistant coach Herb Williams of his duties, and have hired Bob Bender to replace him. Bender was Woodson's assistant when they were both on the Atlanta Hawks coaching staff.

The Knicks also have announced that they will not renew the contracts of NBA scout Lonnie Davis or prospect scout Chris Atkins. They are expected to hire a new team of scouts.

Team/Player Options

Knicks Exercise Option on Shumpert

Spoiler

Despite his increasing desire to test free agency, the New York Knicks have exercised their team option on guard/forward Iman Shumpert, meaning the now third year man out of Wake Forest will have to spend another year in a Knicks uniform.

While Shumpert did want to test free agency, he has no problem with the move.

"This was a part of the contract I signed, so I don't mind at all." Shumpert said. "I don't dislike playing for the Knicks. I just would like to see what I'm worth in the free agent market."

Shumpert still has another year left on his contract, and is scheduled to make $1.80M this season.

J.R. Smith Opts Out, Enters Free Agency

Spoiler

In a none too surprising move, guard J.R. Smith has opted out of his contract, and is expected to hit the free agent market.

While it wouldn't be surprising if Smith came back to the Knicks after testing the waters, The Knicks are more than likely not expected to meet Smith's contract expectations barring any cap clearing trades.

Smith was scheduled to make $2.81M this upcoming season.

Stoudemire, Chandler, Felton All Made Available for Trade

Spoiler

When head coach Mike Woodson said that there would be controversial but necessary moves, many people speculated that a few of the New York Knicks starters would be traded.

They were absolutely correct.

The Knicks announced today that they are shopping forward Amar'e Stoudemire, center Tyson Chandler, and guard Raymond Felton. Forward Steve Novak and guard Pablo Prigioni are also available, and the Knicks are open to trading all of their draft picks in order to move up in the draft.

None of the players were available for comment, but Stoudemire's agent has said that Stoudemire would like to be traded to the Orlando Magic in order to be closer to his family. The Magic have been looking to acquire another big since trading Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Chandler has drawn interest from the Lakers, Celtics, Bobcats, Cavaliers, Raptors, and even the Thunder.

Felton could possibly be packaged with either Chandler and Stoudemire, with Novak and Prigioni likely to be packaged with whoever doesn't go with Felton.

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Trades

Knicks Deal Stoudemire, Felton to Pistons for Drummond, 5th Overall Pick

Spoiler

When the New York Knicks first announced that they were looking to trade many of their players in order to rebuild the team, Amar'e Stoudemire and Raymond Felton were two of the main players noted. They both are now going to be playing for new teams.

The Knicks dealt both Stoudemire and Felton to the Detroit Pistons in exchanged for the 5th overall pick and center Andre Drummond.

Stoudemire initially requested a trade to the Orlando Magic, but a deal between the two teams fell through, and the Knicks moved on to the Pistons.

This move also ensures that Tyson Chandler more than likely will be traded in the near future.

NBA Draft 2013

With Snaer Gone, Knicks Trade Down to 11th and Draft Noel

Spoiler

After guard Michael Snaer was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the fourth overall pick, the New York Knicks were forced to trade down to draft their back-up plan, Kentucky Nerlens Noel.

The Knicks dealt the fifth overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the 11th overall pick, which the Knicks used on the Kentucky forward. The Trail Blazers also sent their 1st round pick in 2014, and a 2nd round pick in 2013, which the Knicks would trade later on in the night.

With the 24th overall pick, the Knicks drafted Colorado forward Andre Roberson to solidify their front court. Both of these moves more than likely spell the end of Tyson Chandler.

The Knicks would trade both of their second round picks to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the first pick of the second round. With that pick, they selected North Carolina guard Dexter Strickland to round out their draft class.

Free Agency

Knicks sign D.J. Augustin to three-year deal worth $18.49M

Spoiler

After spending just one season with the Indiana Pacers, guard D.J. Augustin has signed with the New York Knicks. The deal is worth $18.49M for the next three years.

The Knicks also signed the following players:

PG Derek Fisher, 1yr/$560k
SG J.J. Redick, 2yr/$6.85M
SG Richard Hamilton, 1yr/$1.55M
SF/PF Chris Copeland, 2yr/$1.60M
C Bernard James, 1yr/$490k

Other Notable Signings:

Spoiler

Rockets sign Dwight Howard to 4yr/$76.80M deal.
Cavaliers sign Chris Paul to 4yr/$75.03M deal.
Rockets sign Andre Iguodala to 3yr/$30.26M deal.
Clippers sign J.R. Smith to 3yr/$29.39M deal.