KNICK NOTES
CLEVELAND – It would be the precise piece the Knicks need, which is why don’t count on it. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the 7-3 Lithuanian center, has been an All-Star force the past two seasons after battling major foot problems that had nearly derailed his career.
This July, he becomes one of the hottest free agents outside Ray Allen. But the centerless Knicks could use a dominant inside-outside pivot more than a shooting guard. With the new ownership in place in Cleveland, anything is possible, including the Cavs letting Ilgauskas walk if they flounder and don’t make the playoffs.
Of course, the Knicks have a better chance of landing another 7-3 Lithuanian center, Martynas Andriuskevicius, a 19-year-old potential lottery pick whom Isiah Thomas likes.
Ilgauskas is a risk in a long-term deal because of the multiple foot surgeries he’s had that were believed to be career-threatening. Ilgauskas has missed the last four games with a finger injury and was game-time decision to play last night.
Ilgauskas is a risk worth taking if you’re the Knicks, who don’t have a legit center on their roster. He’ll probably be seeking at least $10 million per, meaning the Knicks would have to do a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. At least they have some pawns, including four first-round picks across the next two drafts.
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The Knicks had shopped Kurt Thomas entering the trading deadline, including to the Cavaliers. After the Feb. 24 trading deadline, it was reported the Knicks and Cavs discussed a deal that would’ve sent Thomas to Cleveland for Drew Gooden and Ira Newble that the Cavs rejected, though Paul Silas and Brendan Malone supported the move. Gooden over the last three games is averaging 25 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, taking advantage of Ilgauskas’ absence. Thomas went scoreless in the Knicks’ prior game, vs. Toronto. It’s doubtful that trade will be revisited this summer with Silas gone.
Herb Williams said he hopes to get time for 20-year-old recent signee, C Jackie Butler in the final week. Butler is shooting 100 percent – 4-for-4 in three appearances.