New York Knicks forward Andrea Bargnani is headed for free agency this summer, and (close your eyes, Knicks fans!) team president Phil Jackson reportedly wants to bring him back next season.
Bargs, 29, has struggled to remain healthy in New York, though his game has shown signs of life of late — the big fella has scored at least 19 points in four of the last five games.
Bargnani shares an agent with Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony.
Per the NY Post:
According to an NBA source, Jackson still is a fan and has interest in bringing Bargnani back for the right price because of his length, post defense and ability to score and pass in the structured system. Bargnani’s market value is one of the great mysteries of the summer, pending how he finishes the final 21 games.
Jackson has no power forward or center under contract for next season and a one-year deal is not out of the question. Bargnani’s burdensome contract, which pays him $11.5 million this season, expires July 1. Before he returned Feb. 9 in Miami, there was speculation whether any NBA team would offer him even a minimum deal.
Asked if he sees himself as a Knick next season, Bargnani, who lives in a nice apartment high-rise in White Plains, said: “I don’t think it is the place or time to talk about the future. The summer is in front. I’m very focused on finishing the season with the Knicks. I don’t know what’s going to happen. […] It’s just about the Knicks and this season and my teammates. It’s all about the team right now.’’
