New York Knicks Reportedly Interested in Ivan Johnson

Free agent big man Ivan Johnson is drawing interest from the New York Knicks, according to ESPN. It remains to be seen if the money is right, though: “The 29-year-old Johnson, who became an NBA player in 2011 and has played for the Hawks, was initially campaigning for a mini mid-level contract. But with remaining attractive free agents like DeJuan Blair and Antawn Jamison in the veteran’s minimum financial ballpark — Blair signed with the Mavericks for that amount — the free-agent market is quickly changing. ‘I think the mini mid-level will be tough to get at this time,’ the source said. So it’s likely that the 6-8, 255-pound Johnson will be financially accessible to the Knicks. The question is: could it mutually work out? The source said, ‘I think it would be a great fit for Ivan to get big minutes [in New York] and further prove he can play in this league.’ Johnson is known for his high motor, finishing ability and being a tenacious defender, who has good hands and timing to deflect balls and grab rebounds. Sometimes, however, he can be a little out of control. In 2012, the Hawks fined him for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ and later for making an obscene gesture. […] Other bigs on the Knicks’ radar include (via sources): Cole Aldrich, Hamed Haddadi, Jerome Jordan, Gani Lawal, Shavlik Randolph, who was waived by the Celtics on Thursday, and Henry Sims. Jeremy Tyler, who played on the Knicks’ summer league team, has received a training camp invite. According to a player source, the Knicks are now in conversations with Pargo, a veteran point guard who played for the Wizards, Hawks and Bobcats last season. Pargo, 33, is known for his transition playmaking and spot-up shooting, but he’s not great at getting in the lane and creating his own shot. However, he works well off of pick-and-rolls, and his court vision and quick reaction time enable him to see passing lanes through traps.”